In an extraordinary achievement, 15 Griffith University students have been offered New Colombo Plan scholarships for 2025 – the highest number the University has seen in a single year to date.  

This record-breaking milestone underscores Griffith’s commitment to fostering global connections and empowering students to become leaders in the Indo-Pacific region and their future careers. 

The New Colombo Plan is an initiative by the Australian Government which aims to enhance knowledge of the Indo-Pacific among Australian university students through scholarship programs for study of up to one year, language training and internships or mentorships, plus flexible mobility programs for both short and longer-term study, language study, internships, practicums and research.  

The 2025 cohort will embark on diverse experiences across countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea. 

It was a very competitive process and the University was proud to see these 15 scholars embark on these new adventures.  

The experience they gain will contribute to their academic growth and personal development while strengthening Australia’s ties with Indo-Pacific neighbours. 

A new retail crime study has revealed escalating challenges for the retail sector, with shoplifting, employee theft, fraud and customer aggression rising to record levels.

The 2024 ANZ Retail Crime Study by Griffith University’s Professor Michael Townsley found almost two per cent of turnover was lost in the 2024 financial year, costing $7.79 billion in Australia alone.

Professor Michael Townsley
Professor Michael Townsley of the Griffith Criminology Institute

Customer theft, dominated by concealment and opportunistic strategies, remained the largest driver of external losses, however employee theft cost millions annually, with insider knowledge amplifying its impact.

Professor Townsley said it was alarming to see all facets of retail crime increasing with such speed.

“Before COVID, crime was slowly rising, but when a lot of shops closed due to lockdowns, we saw a bit of a pause and crime went down,” he said.

“Since then, it just got picked up again, and with added cost-of-living pressures, police-recorded instances of shoplifting and employee abuse have gone through the roof.”

Shockingly, Professor Townsley said there had been an increasing trend among small businesses to buy stolen goods.

“Financial pressures affect all strata of society, and with more demand for cheap food, small businesses are trying to meet their customers’ demands,” he said.

“When cafés and restaurants are doing it tough and their cost of goods has doubled but they’re unable to double their own prices, they’re beginning to contemplate things they previously wouldn’t have thought about.”

With spending having moved largely online in recent years, retail fraud has been becoming more prevalent, with more sophisticated schemes evolving as retailers try to stay ahead of the wave.

Online fraud tactics range from using stolen credit cards to purchase goods, through to claiming packages weren’t delivered (when they in fact were) in order to gain additional products or a refund, therefore getting the item for free.

“Online shopping has really grown, and largely its adoption was accelerated due to COVID,” Professor Townsley said.

“Many retailers had to roll things out faster than they probably planned to, which left some vulnerabilities for a lot of merchants.

“Particularly during peak times, such as Christmas or Black Friday, retailers have a far higher volume going through their systems, and fraudsters will tend to play on that.

“Fraudsters might, for example, create a sense of urgency saying things such as ‘Christmas is in three days’ time and my little boy is really looking forward to this trampoline’ and retailers, who are ultimately trying to help people and delight their customers, will send another item.”

Some aspects of online fraud can also be perpetrated from overseas, which makes it incredibly difficult for retailers to combat or for law enforcement to track.

Focus has therefore moved to ways of prevention, with many retailers pushing loyalty programs or creating their own apps, which often incorporate a range of tracking measures and identification points, plus legislative measures and industry-led initiatives to foster safer retail environments.

Griffith University Art Museum has been awarded Best University Art Museum Exhibition Catalogue for Chantal Fraser: The Ascended at the 2024 Art Writing and Publishing Awards (AWAPAs) hosted by the Art Association of Australia and New Zealand (AAANZ).

Announced at the 2024 AAANZ Conference in Canberra, comments by judges Dr Joanna Barrkman and Dr Katrina Grant recognised the high-quality publishing outputs produced by the GUAM team:

“The presentation of Fraser’s art in this catalogue is engaging and impactful – the thoughtful essays and the high-quality photography in this publication captures her process of making art, the final artworks, their public presentation in various contexts and the performance and engagement elements of her practice. The catalogue and essays perceptively explore the diversity of media and the multi-media dimensions of Fraser’s oeuvre with the use of powerful and provocative imagery and accessible language. A published interview with the artist elucidates her processes of unpacking and deconstructing power structures socially, culturally, creatively and individually to untether herself from known or stereo-typical ways of being. It is also considered noteworthy that Griffith University Art Museum sought to profile Fraser, a Brisbane-based artist whose education and exhibiting career has been largely grounded in that city.”

‘Chantal Fraser: The Ascended’ publication, 310 x 210mm, 128 pages, paperback. Photo: Patrick Lester

Chantal Fraser: The Ascended was published alongside an exhibition of the same name, open at Griffith University Art Museum from 15 June – 2 September 2023, before touring to regional Queensland through 2024 – 2025.

The exhibition brings together early and new works by Sāmoan-Australian artist Chantal Fraser, that reflect the complexity of lived experiences for diasporic Sāmoan and Pasifika communities through a feminist, anti-colonial lens.

The publication includes new essays by Naomi Evans and Dr Lana Lopesi (MNZM), commissioned poetry by Brian Fuata and an artist interview by Shuddhabrata Sengupta (Raqs Media Collective).

‘Chantal Fraser: The Ascended’ publication, 310 x 210mm, 128 pages, paperback. Photo: Patrick Lester

You can read more about Chantal Fraser: The Ascended and purchase the publication online.

Chantal Fraser: The Ascended is currently touring regional Queensland and remains open at Rockhampton Museum of Art until 23 March 2025.

Griffith Business School (GBS) has achieved global recognition with the announcement of an EQUIS accreditation which places GBS amongst the top one per cent of business schools in the world. 

The European Foundation for Management Development Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) was the leading international review system which provides a rigorous peer-review process and assessment for business and management schools. 

Griffith was one of only 14 business schools in Australia to hold accreditations from both the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and EQUIS. 

Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) Professor Caitlin Byrne.

Pro Vice Chancellor (Business) Professor Caitlin Byrne said the EQUIS accreditation endorsed Griffith Business School’s commitment to outstanding business education and research. 

“We are honoured to receive EQUIS accreditation, a distinguished recognition which benchmarks our performance against the highest international standards,” Professor Byrne said. 

“This accreditation not only affirms the quality and relevance of our educational programs and research but also underscores our steadfast commitment to social justice and sustainability. 

“This achievement reinforces our mission to cultivate the next generation of ethical business leaders and policymakers who are equipped to drive positive societal change. 

“Being part of the EQUIS community enables us to exchange knowledge and best practices with the world’s leading business schools, thereby enhancing our mission. 

“The new Brisbane City campus at the iconic Treasury Building, which will serve as a hub for GBS, has already attracted new industry partnerships and connections. 

“GBS also maintains a prominent position within the Gold Coast business community, working with distinguished industry partners to advance inclusive economic growth and sustainable business solutions.” 

Griffith hosted a four-day visit as part of the accreditation process which allowed the school to showcase strong community engagement, and included valuable input from staff, students, alumni and industry partners. 

An innovative model of inclusive education at Griffith University is providing meaningful vocational opportunities for high school graduates living with an intellectual impairment.

The two-year program is delivered by Griffith students on clinical placement at Griffith Health Clinics.

Griffith Health Clinic staff, Griffith Allied Health students and Include-Ed program participants.

For students living with an intellectual impairment, Include-Ed is post-schooling program funded by the NDIS which provides essential independent living skills and vocational opportunities in a university setting among age-matched peers.

Griffith students from six health disciplines are fully supervised to deliver the structured course as a clinical placement, providing students with hands-on, job-ready experience and skills to treat and manage those who access NDIS funding.

The course was created and designed by Griffith Health Clinic Physiotherapist and Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability council member Assistant Professor Nick Marshall OAM who said there are limited opportunities in Australia for those living with an intellectual impairment to continue to learn post-schooling.

“All individuals have the right to continue their education beyond schooling to better their pursuit of vocational opportunities and meaningful work,” Assistant Professor Marshall said.

“The program strives to be a financially sustainable student-led services model, through the NDIS billing of student health services.

“The pilot involving four post-school students and 50 Griffith Health students has been a rewarding experience for all.

“By creating and delivering innovative programs for school leavers with disability, and at the same time fostering understanding in our graduates and university community, the innovative model has great potential to be replicated in Australian universities.”

Include-Ed participant Jordan Shepherd.
Include-Ed participants and Physio students.
Include-Ed participant Renee O’Donnell and Dietetic students.

Examples of coursework for Griffith Health students and Include-Ed students include:

Social Work students provide lessons and coaching to improve mobility, safe travel and navigating public transport.

Speech Pathology students provide lessons and coaching oncommunication, self-advocacy, and storytelling.

Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Nutrition & Dietetics students provide lessons and coaching on independent living, healthy lifestyle choices, and meal preparation.

Physiotherapy students provide lessons and coaching on health and wellness, exercise, physical function, activity, and access.

To find out more about the Include-Ed program, NDIS Participants can go to www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-health/clinics/include-ed.

Griffith University is partnering with the World Netball (WN) Foundation as part of a joint mission to create societal change through sport.

Griffith is the first academic institution to partner with the WN Foundation, and they aim to create impact through work-integrated learning opportunities for students, collaborative research, and engagement with the community.

Deputy Head of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Professor Kevin Filo.

Griffith’s Deputy Head of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Professor Kevin Filo, said the partnership aligned with Griffith’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, social justice, inclusion and diversity.

“We are proud to partner with the World Netball Foundation in a collaboration which will foster innovation, excellence and societal impact,” Professor Filo said.

“As a values-led university, we are committed to reducing inequality and promoting well-being.

“Griffith will draw on interdisciplinary expertise from across the University to work alongside the World Netball Foundation to advance our shared vision.” WN Foundation launched its strategy in 2023, in which it outlined its mission to build opportunities, environments, and partnerships which are inclusive, promote equality and change lives, with one of their three core strategies being ‘Societies’.

World Netball Foundation Chair Dame Liz Nicholl DBE.

Under the strategy, the WN Foundation aims to create alliances with like-minded partners, collaborating to achieve greater impact in developing and supporting global policies for achieving societal change through sport.

WN Foundation Chair, Dame Liz Nicholl DBE, said: “I am thrilled that we have been able to announce our first academic institution partnership, with Griffith University – A University which is in the top two per cent worldwide.

“When seeking partners for the World Netball Foundation it was imperative to us that all partners were like-minded and shared a similar vision and mission,” Dame Nicholl said.

“In Griffith University we have found a fantastic partner that, just like us, is also on a mission to make the world a better place to be for everyone, and through collaboration, we will both be able to achieve a greater impact.”

A report released by the Australian Institute of Criminology has revealed how Australian female victim-survivors feel about the criminalisation of coercive control and highlighted a need for wider changes to the justice system’s responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.

Researchers from Monash University and Griffith University interviewed 130 victim-survivors across the country, finding overwhelming support for coercive control being a stand-alone criminal offence.

The report provided critical insight into potential benefits and risks of the new laws, with participants agreeing criminalisation could play a transformative role in improving community awareness, enhancing police responses, increasing victim-survivor safety, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Several anticipated benefits of criminalising coercive control included:

Professor Silke Meyer

Professor of Social Work at Griffith University, Adjunct Professor in Criminology at Monash and report co-author Professor Silke Meyer said many of the victim survivors expressed concerns around the impacts of justice system responses.

“The views and experiences of victim-survivors remind us that criminal justice system responses frequently cause more harm to victim-survivors, rather than holding perpetrators accountable and facilitating behaviour change,” she said.

“While victim-survivors spoke of the potential positives of a criminalisation approach, their voices equally highlighted the importance of system upskilling and accountability.”

The report also drew attention to significant challenges and risks, particularly for First Nations communities, including misidentification by police, trauma associated with court processes, and the challenges of proving coercive and controlling behaviours under the standard of proof required in criminal cases.

Monash University’s Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon said victim-survivors’ perspectives should remain at the heart of legal and policy reforms.

Lead author, Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon from Monash University

“While many see criminalisation as a vital step forward, effective implementation will require significant systemic change,” she said.

“Our research shows victim-survivors are looking for more than just a new law – they want a whole-of-system response that addresses gaps in training, awareness and support services.

“Importantly, criminalisation must not inadvertently cause harm to already marginalised communities.”

The report made several recommendations to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the new laws, including:

As Australia has progressed efforts under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, the report has supported wider calls for reform across prevention, early intervention, response and recovery to tackle the national crisis of violence against women.

Griffith University’s Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance has once again positioned itself at the forefront of financial crime research in Australia, hosting the second annual Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance Research Symposium. The event brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and research to discuss the latest trends and challenges in financial crime prevention, compliance, and investigation. 

The symposium covered a broad spectrum of topics, from advanced compliance frameworks to emerging technologies combating financial crime. Each session provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of financial crime and the innovative strategies being developed to combat it. 

Panel Highlight 

Moderated by Academy Director, Professor Andreas Chai, the panel discussion, Preparing Australia for AML/CTF Tranche II: Risks and Challenges, included a distinguished group of experts: 

The session offered a comprehensive overview of the changing landscape and impacts of Australia’s AML/CTF legislation. Key takeaways included:

Driving future innovation 

The symposium underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in tackling the multifaceted issue of financial crime. Discussions emphasised continuous education and training, equipping professionals with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. 

As financial crime evolves, Griffith University remains committed to leading the charge in developing innovative, impactful solutions. This year’s symposium not only deepened understanding but also inspired a collective effort to fortify Australia’s financial systems against the growing threats of financial crime.  

Find out more about the Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance here.

Pictured left to right: Professor Michael Good AO, PDG Sandy Doumany OAM, Associate Professor Danielle Stanisic, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD, Professor Carolyn Evans, Lisa Hunt.

The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics was honoured to host Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD to share the ground-breaking research of their Malaria Vaccine Research Project team.

The Vice-Regal couple were welcomed by Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans; Vice President (Advancement), Marcus Ward; Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Executive Director Professor Paul Clarke, Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Principal Research Leader Professor Michael Good AO, Research Leader Associate Professor Danielle Stanisic and delegates from our Malaria Vaccine Project partners, Rotary District 9640; PDG Sandy Doumany OAM, Sam Doumany AM, and Lisa Hunt.

The Malaria Vaccine Project lead research scientists, Professor Good and Associate Professor Stanisic presented an overview of their break-through malaria vaccine candidate. For the past 10 years Griffith University, in partnership with Rotary, has been developing a vaccine candidate with the potential to provide lifelong protection against all strains of malaria. Malaria is one of the world’s deadliest diseases and remains a major global health issue, claiming over 600,000 lives every year.

“Our work has been endorsed by leading global experts in this field as one of the most significant new vaccine candidates capable of addressing the alarming mortality rates from malaria each year,” says Professor Good. “With the support of key partners, we are poised to commence Phase 1 clinical trials early next year which will test and evaluate a field deployable version of the vaccine candidate in a human clinical trial based at Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Gold Coast Campus.”

Photo of Governor General and Associate Professor Danielle Stanisic in laboratory
Associate Professor Danielle Stanisic and Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM
Photos of delegates touring the laboratory and looking through microscope
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD with Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Researchers

“Our malaria vaccine candidate, named PlasProtecT, is a novel approach in a number of ways.” explains Associate Professor Stanisic. “It recognises and destroys the malaria parasites when in the blood-stream – the stage that is responsible for the pathology, morbidity and mortality of malaria and it relies on T cells for protection.  It contains more than 5,000 malaria parasite proteins and our pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that it stimulates a broad protection against multiple malaria parasite strains.  Additionally, it has been formulated so it can be frozen or freeze-dried into a powder without impacting its efficacy. This makes it easy to transport and is more cost effective when deploying the vaccine to malaria endemic countries.”

Her Excellency and Professor Nimmo were escorted on a tour of the Laboratory of Vaccines for the Developing World and introduced to the dedicated and passionate team of researchers working tirelessly in the fight against malaria. Her Excellency and Professor Nimmo have vast medical backgrounds. The Governor’s esteemed medical career included the role of Chief Health Officer for Queensland, with responsibility for leading the State’s preventative health and public health agendas, including response to public health emergencies and was appointed the State Health Incident Controller during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Nimmo’s distinguished medical career spans more than four decades, including 19 years as State Director of Microbiology for Pathology Queensland. He currently holds a professorial position in medicine at Griffith University. 

“It was a privilege and pleasure to welcome Her Excellency and Professor Nimmo to our Institute,” said Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Executive Director Professor Paul Clarke. “We are appreciative of their keen interest in our malaria research and we were proud to showcase the world-leading expertise and cutting-edge research of our Malaria Vaccine Project Team.”

Over the past decade, transformational philanthropic investment, government backing, competitive grant funding and the unwavering support from industry and the community have accelerated the research development and translational impact of our malaria vaccine candidate – a collaborative investment in the future of global health.

Photo of delegates in front of Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics Major Supporters Honour Board
Pictured left to right: PDG Sandy Doumany OAM, Lisa Hunt, Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Hon Sam Doumany AM, Professor Michael Good AO, Associate Professor Danielle Stanisic.

Griffith University achieved an outstanding result in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, placing seventh in Australia and 49th out of 1743 universities around the world.

The rankings measured an institution’s ability to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges faced by the world today.

Dean of Griffith’s Sustainable Development Goals Performance Professor Jennifer Boddy said Griffith had been a leader in sustainability since its inception.

Jennifer Boddy
Dean of Griffith’s Sustainable Development Goals Performance Professor Jennifer Boddy

“Being ranked in the top 50 in the world reflects our outstanding achievements through research, teaching, partnerships and operations, where we seek to have positive environmental and social impacts, both locally and globally,” Professor Boddy said.

“Griffith staff are actively working towards creating a brighter future for all.”

QS CEO Jessica Turner said: “For today’s brand-conscious students, universities represent lifelong affiliations tied to identity and social awareness.

“The 2024 QS International Student Survey shows 62 per cent of prospective students consider sustainability practices very important, and 40 per cent actively seek this information when choosing universities.

“This shift highlights how students increasingly evaluate social and environmental impact alongside academic excellence.”

Ranking out of 1743 universities worldwide by category: Overall = 49

Environmental Impact = 55
Environmental Sustainability = 33
Environmental Research = 152
Environmental Education = 122

Social Impact = 77
Knowledge Exchange = 59
Impact of Education = 60
Health & Wellbeing = 50
Equality = 34
Employability and Opportunities = 340

Governance = 20

Sustainability was a key value in Griffith’s strategic plan and commitments to sustainability were heightened as part of the Sustainability Strategy which included: