Heating the lower limbs before exercise has been found to significantly improve endurance in individuals with heart failure.  

The study, led by Griffith University, tested the effects of 45 minutes of hot water immersion (42°C) compared with a control condition (30°C) on 22 participants ranging from 50 to 80 years of age who had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (meaning the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs).  

Results showed heating the legs increased blood flow in the femoral artery and improved muscle oxygenation, leading to an average increase of 201 metres in walking distance during an endurance test (similar to a ‘beep test’).  

“This research highlights the potential of passive heating as a simple, non-pharmacological strategy to enhance exercise performance in individuals with heart failure,” lead researcher Dr Fergus O’Connor said.  

“By improving blood flow and oxygen delivery, lower-limb heating may help patients get more out of their rehabilitation programs.” 

While the long-term benefits of this technique needed further investigation, the findings suggested lower-limb heating could be a valuable tool in cardiac rehabilitation.  

Future research would explore its potential for enhancing long-term exercise adaptations in heart failure patients. 

The Governor-General has announced the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, with several members of the Griffith University community recognised.  

The list includes people recommended to the Governor-General by the Council of the Order of Australia and organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous honours. 

Former Griffith University Deputy Chancellor (2015-2021) Rachel Hunter AO PSM DUniv

Among the 830 Australians recognised in the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service, the University was proud to see 11 members of its community honoured.  

Former Griffith University Deputy Chancellor Mrs Rachel Hunter PSM DUniv was just one of the esteemed recipients, awarded an Officer of Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division for distinguished service to public administration, to tertiary education governance, and to the community of Queensland. 

Mrs Hunter served as Deputy Chancellor from 2015-2021, but was also a Vice-Chairperson of the Finance, Resources and Risk Committee, Governor-in-Council Member from 2000-2013, named an Honorary Doctor of the University in 2010, and the founder of the Rachel Hunter Refugee Scholarship, established in 2021. 

Since then, she has progressed to other high-profile roles, including Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet from 2021-2023, and has been an Independent Reviewer for Queensland Homelessness Responses since 2024.  

Other notable recipients include:  

Professor Kate Galloway, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) i

Recipients announced in the list will be invested with their awards in the coming months, either by the Governor-General at Government House in Canberra, or by the State Governors or Administrator of the Northern Territory. 

Griffith University has unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2030, Creating a Brighter Future for All, which sets a vision to enhance education, research and engagement, embedding purpose and values at its core.  

The plan’s foundation has as its four pillars: Purpose , People, Partnerships, and Place. 

Launched by Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans at our South Bank campus in early June, the plan outlines Griffith’s aims to deliver a nationally distinctive program that links students own purpose and dreams to purpose-driven education that gets them ready for a career after university. 

Griffith will strengthen ties with Queensland communities, with the launch of the Griffith Community Hours. This involves committing to 1.5 million hours over the strategy’s life of free or low-cost services to the people of Queensland. This includes our health clinics in areas from dental to counselling,  

The University will live by its values in part by ensuring accessibility through increasing participation from under-represented groups. 

The University plans to grow and diversify its student body by rolling out an innovative program of online degrees, unveiling a Brisbane CBD campus at the iconic Treasury Building location, and creating pathways into Griffith from TAFE and our own EmpowerED program. 

Deepening its connection to Country and Traditional Custodians, Griffith will also become a university of choice for First Nations staff and students, creating an environment for Indigenous flourishing in education, research and leadership. 

Partnerships are central to Griffith’s mission to create impact. 

Federal Treasurer and alumnus the Hon Jim Chalmers MP, Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans, ‘Doing Things Differently’ author Professor Emeritus Pat Weller AO and Chancellor and alumnus the Hon Andrew Fraser at the launch of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

The University will establish a Research Impact Hub and an Entrepreneurship Centre, positioning itself as one of Australia’s most innovative and impactful research institutions. We will lift commercialisation of our research, teach students entrepreneurial skills, and support staff working in partnership with the public and not-for-profit sector. 

Strengthened international networks, including our recent membership of the Worldwide University Network and new high-impact domestic partnerships will amplify Griffith’s purpose. 

The next phase of the Campaign to Create a Brighter Future for All will support these ambitions in partnership with philanthropists. 

The University will support the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and open new facilities including new student accommodation at both the Gold Coast and Nathan, and a Health and Advanced Technologies Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC) at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. 

Professor Evans said the ambition was a redoubling of the University’s commitment to purpose, people, partnership and place. 

“Celebrating 50 years since Griffith University opened its doors at Nathan campus, our Plan for 2025-2030 reaffirms our pioneering spirit, blending purpose-driven education and research. We will connect deeply with our local communities and serve their needs while continuing to reach out to the wider region and the world. This will ensure that we continue to drive meaningful impact for the next half-century.

“This will position Griffith as a leader in education, research, and community impact, ready to shape a brighter future for all by the start of the next decade.” 

Griffith University Exercise Science researchers call for tackling to be delayed in match play for AFL, Rugby
League and Rugby Union players under 12 years.

A new paper published in Nature journal Sports Medicine argued children under 12 years lacked the
cognitive readiness to keep them safe during tackling, and their physical attributes such as a larger head and
weaker neck muscles, made them more vulnerable to head impact during tackling.

School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Exercise Science Dr Joel Garrett.

School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Exercise Science Dr Joel Garrett said though governing bodies have worked to incorporate age-appropriate skill instruction, the age allowance for tackling across contact team sports is inconsistent.

“Currently, AFL introduces full tackling from the Under 11s level, Rugby Union at the Under 8’s level; and Rugby League at the Under 7’s level,” Dr Garrett said.

“Many children lack the ability to protect themselves during a tackle, making them prone to direct head collisions or dangerous head-down tackles.

“Inadequate skill development can lead to poor tackling mechanics and increased injury risk.

“Players need the neuromuscular control to do a range of things such as brace their bodies effectively, adapt to the
movements of others mid-play, align their shoulders correctly or keep their head safely to the side.”

Dr Garrett said a longer structured approach that included progressive skill development would improve safety and
allow children to be physically and cognitively prepared to participate confidently in full-contact sports.

“Before children are faced with high-intensity collisions in a game, they can be taught skills such as safe falling
techniques, correct body positioning, and correct shoulder placement,” Dr Garrett said.

“Free from the demands of body-to-body contact, children would be able to concentrate on mastering core skills
such as catching, passing, and kicking.

“An overarching approach to adopt a new safety model, would see consistency across coaches, referees and
administrators to delay tackling for children under 12 years, and help to protect young brains and ensure every
child can play confidently.”

In a world increasingly obsessed with youth, Griffith University cultural theorist Associate Professor Margaret Gibson has asked the question: ‘What happens when people start to look younger, as they grow biologically older?’  

With the growing ability of science and wealth to reverse the visible signs of ageing, Associate Professor Gibson delved into the social, psychological and philosophical implications of new technologies.   

“We’re living in this bizarre world where people are looking younger as they get older, and what that means, particularly for women, is a tightening of already intense social pressure to defy age,” she said.  

“We see celebrities, such as Kris Jenner who is 69 years old but now looks to be in her mid-30s, flaunting their new looks, prompting their millions of followers to try to emulate their results.    

“She’s had deep facial tissue reconstruction, which is quite extraordinary, but only rich people can go to the extent she’s gone.” 

For those who can’t afford such drastic measures, apps such as Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok are filled with often heavily altered images of people endeavouring to present their best selves, however a cultural shift has begun.  

“People are starting to question their legacies and their photographic histories, with many having edited their photos then deleted the originals,” Associate Professor Gibson said.  

“It’s not just how we alter our bodies physically through surgeries or Botox or whatever else, but it is the way we alter our photographic histories – that matters, too.” 

Associate Professor Gibson also warned of cosmetic breakthroughs having helped turn a long-standing fantasy into a partial reality, but one that reinforces harmful ideals and leaves behind the majority who can’t buy into it. 

“There’s something very poignant about seeing people age, but we’ve exiled the notion that ageing can have its own form of beauty,” she said.  

“I think it’s deeply problematic, because if we constantly try to erase the reality that we age and die, we’re living in a death-denying fantasy.” 

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.

Griffith Business School is proud to announce a partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and KPMG to launch Asia’s first financial crime and forensic accounting concentration within HKUST’s Master of Science in Accounting (MSAC).

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:

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:

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.

For more information about GEN-A and how to get involved, visit: https://www.griffith.edu.au/research/business/asia-institute/green-transition-and-development-hub/green-energy-network-asia

Participants of the Innaugural Green Energy Network – Asia (Gen-A) conference.
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.”