The pain of the dancer in George Michael’s Careless Whisper, the hope in the Titanic classic My Heart Will Go On, and the vulnerability in Princess Leia’s Theme from Star Wars.
The emotions in these three iconic pieces of music owe much of their impact to a group of instruments that have sadly fallen in popularity over recent years….woodwind.
Griffith University’s Conservatorium of Music is playing a key role keeping these instruments relevant, with some of the top woodwind teachers in the country helping students gain mastery over saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon.
With dozens of ensembles, more than 200 concerts annually and music being played every single day of the year, The Con is a one-stop shop for every conceivable type of musical experience, and woodwind is no exception.
Bassoon student Ethan Henke
Ethan Henke was studying a Bachelor of Music at The Conservatorium and played one of the most difficult of all the woodwind instruments.
“When I was in high school, one of my music teachers told me there was a worldwide shortage of bassoon players,” Mr Henke said.
“At that time, I was playing saxophone, and I hadn’t a clue what a bassoon was.
“But it got me thinking.
“I liked the fact that there were more opportunities for playing in orchestras with a bassoon and that’s something I really wanted to do.
“It is a challenging instrument to play.
“There are 9 different positions for your thumb alone.”
Associate Professor Tim Munro is a triple Grammy-winning flautist and brings a wealth of performing and teaching expertise to his role as Head of Winds at The Conservatorium.
Associate Professor Tim Munro
Having worn many musical hats, as curator, broadcaster, writer and artistic consultant, Associate Professor Munro is attuned to the needs of students working towards a career in music and understands the importance of a wide range of opportunities.
“These young musicians can play in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, musical theatre pit bands, film orchestras, jazz groups and even a gamelan ensemble,” he said.
“They play with conductors, without conductors…and can even learn to become a conductor!
“There is great demand for wind teachers, and the students all learn pedagogical tools during their degree.”
Bassoonists, such as Mr Henke, had access to the ‘bassoon room’ at The Conservatorium, where cane was available for reed-making.
“The saxophone and clarinet use one reed, whereas oboe and bassoon use two,” Mr Henke said.
“You can use ready-made reeds, but most professionals make their own.”
James Kukulies, a music teacher at Indooroopilly State High School, who encouraged Mr Henke to take up the bassoon, said the double-reeded instruments had not changed in design for hundreds of years, because there was nothing that had been invented that was better for generating their unique sounds.
“Each instrument has a role to play within the orchestra and to lose any of them would negatively impact the whole,” Mr Kukulies said.
“If you think of the orchestra as a rainbow, with each instrument being a different colour, losing instruments is like saying to an artist painting a picture, well, you can’t have green and you can’t use orange.
“The art won’t be as rich and varied.”
The Conservatorium is looking forward to welcoming new Bachelor of Music students onto campus at South Bank next year.
The leading study of political attitudes and behaviour in Australia has identified factors which influenced the Labor Party’s landslide victory in the 2025 election.
The 2025 Australian Election Study (AES), conducted by Griffith University and the Australian National University (ANU), shows Labor had a clear advantage on policy issues and received strong support from women and younger voters.
Study co-author, Dr Sarah Cameron from the School of Government and International Relations said the 2025 AES found there was a clear gender gap in those who voted for the Coalition, and this trend had continued to rise in the last decade.
Co-author of the 2025 Australian Election Study (AES), Dr Sarah Cameron.
“In the 2025 federal election, nine per cent fewer women than men voted for the Coalition,” Dr Cameron said. Co-author of the 2025 Australian Election Study (AES), Dr Sarah Cameron.
“This gender gap has been observed in other democracies with women now more likely to vote for parties on the left, while men are more likely to vote for parties on the right.
“In Australia, the decline in vote share for the Coalition has been driven by both men and women shifting their votes to other parties over the past decade.”
Study co-author ANU Professor Ian McAllister said until this year, the Coalition had a long-term advantage on economic policy.
“The cost of living was the major issue in the election, identified as the top election concern by all major voter groups,” Professor McAllister said.
“Housing affordability was the second most important election issue among renters with one-in-five renters indicating it was their top concern.”
Younger voters demonstrated an overwhelming preference for Labor and the Greens in 2025, at levels not seen in the nearly 40-year history of the AES.
Previous AES studies have shown the Coalition had lost support from millennials in every election since 2016.
The study also found Australians were more satisfied with how democracy was working.
“Voters are more satisfied now than in the late 2010s, when there were frequent changes of prime minister brought about by party leadership spills,” Dr Cameron said.
“We’ve seen a jump from 59 per cent satisfaction in 2019 to 70 per cent in 2025.
“Australians are more satisfied with democracy when they have a greater say in the formation of government, including leadership.”
The 2025 AES included findings on this year’s federal election as well as 38 years of trends in political opinion.
Teenagers with an eating disorder may be overlooked and miss out on accessing critical support services due to a strict reliance on a questionnaire to assess eligibility.
Dr Renata Mendes
Dr Renata Mendes from Griffith University’s School of Applied Psychology researched how adolescents with Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) were being identified in primary care through the use of the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), a self-report form used by GPs.
The self-report form is then used to assess if young people are eligible to access the Medicare-funded Eating Disorders Plan (EDP).
“We found one in four adolescences with a confirmed eating disorder diagnosis scored below the EDE-Q cut-off, which means they would not meet the EDP eligibility requirements,” Dr Mendes said.
“Rates of non-endorsement were similar in AN (33 per cent) and AAN (23 per cent), which shows AAN adolescents were just as likely to under-report their systems.
“This means many adolescents who need treatment may appear ‘fine’ when screened, therefore making them ineligible to access the EDP.”
The research showed the primary barrier was the strict reliance on the EDE-Q score for AAN eligibility in the EDP.
Because many adolescents did not endorse their symptoms they may fail to meet the required cut-off, be deemed ineligible for subsidised treatment, or may be overlooked in primary care due to the reliance on the EDE-Q.
Dr Mendes said: “This makes the current system especially risky for AAN as their weight may appear ‘normal’ but is masking a severe illness.”
“If this remains unchanged, a substantial portion of young people with AAN will continue to fall through the cracks and miss out on timely, affordable treatment.
“The research highlights the need for a policy revision and to strengthen primary care assessment to improve early detection, ensure equitable access to evidence-based care, reduce illness severity by enabling treatment to begin sooner, and support GPs with clearer and more flexible guidelines.”
Professor Sara Davies of Griffith University has been elected to the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Health, Migration and Displacement for the 2025–2027 term. The TAG was officially launched on 25 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the beginning of a new phase of global collaboration to improve health outcomes for migrants, refugees and displaced communities.
Professor Davies joins a cohort of 16 international experts appointed following an open global call. The group brings together specialists in health, migration, public policy, epidemiology and humanitarian practice from across all WHO regions. Members serve in their personal capacities, providing independent scientific and technical advice to support the implementation of WHO’s Global Action Plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants.
“I am honoured to contribute to WHO’s efforts to reduce health inequities and strengthen the evidence base for policies affecting displaced and migrant populations.”
“Ensuring that health systems respond inclusively and effectively to displacement is one of the defining public health challenges of our time.”
Supporting global action on migrant and refugee health
The TAG’s mandate is to advise WHO on policy development, research priorities, program implementation and the creation of robust, accessible technical guidance. Its key functions include:
providing expert input on WHO reports, guidelines and recommendations
ensuring WHO knowledge products are scientifically rigorous and relevant to diverse national contexts
advising on strategies that address the social, economic and environmental drivers of poor health among migrant and displaced populations
supporting the generation of evidence to inform global and national policy
The group will meet quarterly—virtually or in person—with additional sessions convened when required. Meeting outcomes will be published on the WHO website to support transparency and global knowledge-sharing.
Strengthening international public health collaboration
Professor Davies is widely recognised for her expertise in global health governance, epidemic preparedness and the protection of vulnerable populations. Her appointment reflects both her academic leadership and her long-standing contribution to research on migrant and refugee health, gender and crisis response.
The TAG’s formation comes at a critical time, as countries grapple with rising displacement driven by conflict, climate disruption and economic instability. WHO’s strengthened advisory mechanisms aim to support governments and partners to develop evidence-informed, context-specific approaches that ensure displaced and migrant communities are not left behind.
By contributing to WHO’s technical and strategic guidance, Professor Davies and her fellow TAG members will play an essential role in shaping global efforts to improve health equity and build more inclusive health systems. For further information about the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Health, Migration and Displacement, visit the WHO website https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-health–migration-and-displacement
A unique scholarship scheme at Griffith University is fostering a growing cohort of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students with disability who are driving research that reimagines inclusion and are strengthened by an inclusive research community.
Launched in 2023, The HDR Disability Scholars Program has grown into a supportive network of scholars at different stages of their PhD journeys.
Beyond academic support and mentoring, the program fostered peer connection and shared experience in an environment where inclusion was embedded.
Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School Professor Rebecca Ford said the students were supported by a unique scholarship scheme which provided a living stipend and an additional research support fund.
“Griffith University is excelling through inclusive investment, fostering a growing cohort of PhD candidates with disability,” Professor Ford said.
“It is truly fantastic to offer this support to our PhD candidates with diverse needs, and we are excited about the societal benefits that will arise from the extensive knowledge they will gain and contribute during their studies.”
The strength of the program had been evident in the diverse research topics explored which included accessible transport, mental health, neurodiversity in the workplace, disability visibility in advertising, inclusive practices within organisations, the inclusion of youth in leisure activities, and rebuilding identity through storytelling.
Pallav Pant’s research explored accessible emergency communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) communities in Queensland.
With a background in crisis management and journalism, his work engaged a co-design approach to strengthen emergency response, ensuring equitable access to vital information.
Mr Pant was previously recognised for leading the development of Nepal’s first Disability-Inclusive Get Ready Guidebook and a breakthrough mobile app for accessible communication during emergencies, both focused on minimising the impact of disasters on people with disabilities.
“Griffith University has provided an inspiring platform to advance disability-inclusive research, collaborate across disciplines, and give voice to those most often unheard in disaster planning,” Mr Pant said.
Julia Robertson’s research explored how artificial intelligence–enabled wearable technologies could deliver personalised mental health monitoring for people living with brain tumours, a group facing significantly elevated risks of depression and suicidality.
Drawing on her own lived experience of a brain tumour, Ms Robertson has been a passionate advocate for early intervention and improving quality of life.
“The Griffith disability scholarship for me has been a lifeline,” Ms Robertson said.
“Without it I would not be able to continue my PhD and would have more than exceeded the standard number of sick-day claims under other scholarships or employment.
“The Disability scholarship has enabled me to take the time I have needed to recover from recent health events without having to worry about my PhD timeline being negatively impacted.”
The Disability Scholars Research Scholarship is available to both full-time and part-time candidates who are registered with the University’s Disability Support Unit, and to those who meet the entry requirement of at least an Honours 2A qualification or equivalent.
Joined by Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, industry representatives, Griffith University executive, staff and students for its formal launch at the Brisbane South campus, GIHER represents Griffith’s historic commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplines to address pressing global issues and create pathways for people and nature to thrive in unison.
The Institute, led by Professor Cara Beal, unites expertise from environmental and social sciences, economics, public health, climate change, engineering, law, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, structured under three research themes:
Protecting and restoring resilient biodiversity and ecosystems.
Creating climate and disaster resilient communities.
Transitioning to climate resilient living and built environments.
“Our transdisciplinary approach reflects the Institute’s guiding philosophy of systems thinking – recognising the health, prosperity, and security of human and natural environments are deeply interconnected.”
GIHER Director Professor Cara Beal
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson launched the Institute.
“The launch of GIHER marks a pivotal moment for Griffith University. Our mission is to create solutions that allow people and nature to thrive together.
“By embracing systems thinking and fostering collaboration across disciplines, we aim to deliver research that informs policy, empowers communities, and drives sustainable change.”
GIHER aims to inform policy and practice through strong partnerships with government, industry, and community groups. Central to its mission is inclusive engagement, ensuring Indigenous voices and diverse communities are integral to research design and outcomes.
By embedding these perspectives, GIHER seeks to deliver solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and adaptable in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
Australia is no stranger to hot weather, and Griffith University researchers have compiled five handy things to be aware of so we do not place our health at risk during the summer months.
Dr Fergus O’Connor
Dr Fergus O’Connor from Griffith’s School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work said cooling interventions were essential in the face of climate change, and ever-increasing temperatures.
“Extreme heat poses significant health risks with older adults, people with chronic illnesses and those unable to limit exposure – such as outdoor workers – most at risk,” Dr O’Connor said.
“Limiting physical exertion and maintaining hydration are essential to mitigating excessive heat strain.
“Pushing yourself too hard in a hot environment increases your internal heat production, placing greater stress on the body as it tries to cool you down.
“When you can’t avoid physical exertion, try and rest in a shaded or cool space for 15-45 minutes per hour depending on work intensity.
“Hydration is key, and replacing fluid lost through sweating helps the body cope with heat exposure.
“Heat exposed persons should drink enough water to maintain stable body weight, while avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages.”
While accessing cool, air-conditioned spaces (e.g., public libraries, work rest-areas) offered relief from heat exposure, their benefit was short-lived, requiring additional cooling measures to mitigate heat-related risks upon returning to hot environments.
Using low-cost cooling strategies such as electric fans, misting the skin with cool water, immersing limbs in cool water, or applying cold towels on the neck could provide relief from the heat, but the benefits of these interventions diminished as it became hotter.
“Cooling the indoor environment with air-conditioning is the most effective way to prevent heat-related mortality, but air-conditioning remains inaccessible for many low-income households and workplaces,” he said.
“Expanding access and lowering costs through subsidies, rebates, and complementary cooling strategies is essential to ensure equitable protection for those at risk.”
Griffith University has been recognised as a world-renowned leader across a range of health, sciences, business, law and politics subjects in the prestigious Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
Griffith Health’s nursing was listed as the best in Australia (third globally), along with hospitality and management (sixth globally) from the Griffith Business School.
Marine and ocean engineering, and remote sensing subjects in Griffith Sciences were listed as first in Queensland and second in Australia.
The University’s electrical and electronic engineering, and artificial intelligence also scored a number one ranking in Queensland.
Griffith Business School saw its economics subjects listed as the best in Queensland with a first place ranking.
Law, and political science subjects in Arts, Education and Law also received the top ranking in Queensland.
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said she was incredibly pleased to see Griffith’s research strengths recognised across all academic groups.
“Our ongoing achievements demonstrate the depth and quality of the subjects on offer at Griffith and the rankings exemplify our innovative and impactful efforts to make it matter,” Professor Boddy said.
“These rankings are a great testament to the hard work of researchers as well as the significant and impactful achievements of graduates.”
Westpac Banking Corporation and Griffith University have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing financial crime prevention across Australia.
Griffith’s Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance will collaborate with Westpac to deliver specialised training programs in financial crime investigation and compliance.
Through targeted micro-credentials, Westpac staff will gain foundational knowledge of financial crime obligations and develop core analytical skills in forensic accounting, investigations and criminology.
Academy Director Professor Andreas Chai said the partnership strengthened broader efforts to address financial crime.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Westpac to strengthen its capabilities and contribute to national efforts to detect, report and disrupt financial crime,” Professor Chai said.
“Financial crime is a global issue, generating an estimated AUD $3 trillion each year, which is roughly two per cent of global GDP, and less than one per cent of these illicit funds are recovered.
“This partnership contributes to national solutions to safeguard the integrity of the financial system and build safer communities by empowering professionals to protect those most vulnerable.”
Westpac’s General Manager of Financial Crime, Jodie Arthur, said the co-designed program aimed to enhance investigative skills through practical case studies.
“We have 150 employees starting the program this year, and over the course of our three-year partnership, we’ll upskill around 500 team members—helping to better protect Westpac customers,” Ms Arthur said.
“We’re delighted to partner with Griffith University, and this collaboration highlights the value of bringing higher education and industry together to deliver real-world, responsive learning opportunities.”
As a leader in interdisciplinary collaboration, the Academy leverages knowledge from disciplines including banking, forensic accounting, criminology, law, information communication technology, policing, and the broader community to enhance financial crime literacy and compliance processes.
Griffith University Vice President (Industry and External Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Harch said the partnership was a meaningful step in advancing a shared vision in financial crime training and education.
“We’re pleased to partner with Westpac on this important national mission, strengthening Australia’s resilience against future risks,” Professor Harch said.
Does your partner know the password to your phone? Probably.
A study by Griffith University researchers reveals that 70 per cent of Australians share access to their phone with their partner, despite dominant cybersecurity guidelines advising the opposite.
Professor Molly Dragiewicz
Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Molly Dragiewicz, who led the study with Dr Jeffrey Ackerman and research assistant Marianne Haaland, said the most common reasons for smartphone sharing were positive, but that does not guard against negative impacts.
“People usually share for convenience, out of trust, and to help each other,” Professor Dragiewicz said.
“However, if one partner turns out to be abusive later on, shared access can be dangerous.”
In fact, 20 per cent of identity theft perpetrators identified by Australian police are current or former intimate partners or individuals related to an ex-partner. In addition, technology-facilitated abuse is a common component of coercive control.
The report’s findings show that younger people are more likely to share, suggesting this is a growing issue.
Professor Dragiewicz argues that the one-user/one-device threat model created for commercial and government contexts is inadequate for addressing interpersonal cybersecurity risks. Phone and app design can help to reduce the risks by using Safety by Design, as recommended by the Australia’s eSafety Commissioner.
“Cybersecurity advice and design based on not sharing your device or credentials are a really bad fit with how people actually use their phone. The first step in Safety by Design is understanding how technology is used in real life,” Professor Dragiewicz said.
