Griffith University has again been named a Gold Tier employer in the 2025 Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI) LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards for the second year in a row.
AWEI is the internationally recognised instrument which provides a framework for organisations to benchmark their inclusive policies and practices.
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans.
The awards celebrated organisations which made workplaces inclusive and equitable for LGBTQ+ people.
Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, said the achievement reflected Griffith’s ambitious goals within the strategic plan.
“We are delighted to be recognised again as an AWEI Gold Employer in the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards, 2025,” Professor Evans said.
“Our achievements and ambitions in LGBTQ+ inclusion are a true reflection of the four pillars in Griffith’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan – Purpose and Values, People, Partnership and Impact, Place and Community, and our values-led attributes of excellence, reciprocity, inclusion, integrity, and innovation.
“Our accomplishments in LGBTQ+ inclusion are a result of ongoing, dedicated work by the Griffith community, which included the Griffith Pride Committee members led by Dr Andrew Rayfield (Chair) and Dr Alison Wright (Deputy Chair), Griffith Allies, Griffith’s Executive Group, staff, students and alumni.”
Senior Lead (Inclusion and Development) Marnie King said Griffith’s Gold Tier status was a result of a deep commitment to inclusion.
“As we celebrate our 50th year, we have a powerful opportunity not only to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to envision how we can shape an even brighter future for all,” Ms King said.
“We remain deeply committed to embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion as a vital part of Griffith’s ongoing strategic success.”
Griffith University has jumped 20 places to be first in Queensland, equal second nationally, and equal fourth globally for its performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025.
Griffith placed first in Australia for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 14 Life Below Water, and SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
The 17 UN SDGs provide a framework for tackling climate change, providing health and education for all, eradicating inequality and oppression, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said the SDGs provided a universal framework to guide our actions across the university.
“At Griffith, we’re led by our values and prioritise innovation and social impact in our teaching and research, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice,” Professor Boddy said.
“Globally, it’s heartening to see fellow institutions on the same path and see how they continue to focus on some of society’s greatest challenges.
“Thank you to all staff and students who have supported social, environmental, and economic sustainability initiatives and research at Griffith.
“I hope our work inspires the collaborative efforts we need for a sustainable future for all.”
For the past 50 years, Griffith has been a university driven by purpose.
Griffith’s new strategic plan, Creating a Brighter Future For all 2025-2030, is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Goals, and articulates our commitment to focusing on values-informed challenges – Indigenous flourishing, sustainability, health equity, inclusive societies, and ethical technology – to guide research, education, and decision-making.
Griffith University also placed:
3rd for SDG 15 – Life on Land
9th for SDG 5 – Gender Equality
13th for SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
20th for SDG 13 – Climate Action
21st for SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
45TH for SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
69th for SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
The applications of Virtual Reality far exceed the gaming world as Griffith University researchers investigate its benefits for pediatric burns pain management at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Professor Bronwyn Griffin
Professor Bronwyn Griffin from Griffith’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has been testing the efficacy of Smileyscope in reducing pain and anxiety during dressing changes.
“Acute burn dressing changes can be quite painful and distressing for pediatric patients with the added issue that increased burn pain can delay wound healing and have a long-term physical and psychological impact on the patient,” Professor Griffin said.
“With this in mind, it’s imperative we look at solutions such as Smileyscope VR so as not to delay wound healing and also recognising the importance of taking a multimodal approach to pain and anxiety.
“It’s essentially a headset VR uses as a distraction technique with games or relaxation programs designed specifically for children.
“We found Smileyscope effectively reduces pain and anxiety during a dress change, and has a high satisfaction from patients, and also the parents.
“Clinicians found it easy to use, with the added benefit that some patients only required minimal analgesia while using Smileyscope with some needing no additional pain medication.”
Kristen Storey, Burns Nurse Practitioner at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, said harnessing innovation such as VR was helping ease the burden of painful treatment for children with burn injuries.
“Each year, we care for more than 1,000 children and young people with burn injuries in the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burns Centre, and we know how distressing treatment can be, not just for the child but for their family too,” Ms Storey said.
“Virtual reality is proving to be a powerful tool in providing distraction during painful procedures.
“By immersing young patients in calming, engaging environments, VR can help reduce pain, anxiety and distress during treatment.
“We’re proud to partner with Griffith University to turn innovative research into real-world care improving the hospital experience and long-term health outcomes for children and young people.”
Smileyscope shows promise with pediatric burns pain management as a non-pharmacological approach to improving burn pain and distress.
“This can be an extremely distressing time for our patients and it’s a relief to see a simple VR headset can have such an impact during what can be a painful process,” Professor Griffin said.
“Further development is needed to enhance the fit and programme content for diverse age groups.”
The Smileyscope study was carried out in a clinical setting where the average patient was seven years of age.
Fifty per cent of the cohort had sustained contact burns and scald burns as the mechanisms of injury with superficial partial thickness burns being the most common depth of injury.
The paper ‘Acceptability and usability of Smileyscope Virtual Reality for pediatric pain management during burn procedures: Perspectives of patients, carers and clinicians’ has been published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Griffith University has joined with Paddle Australia in a four-year partnership to elevate the paddle sports ecosystem in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
Olympian and Griffith MBA student Jess Fox.
The partnership will focus on supporting, inspiring and developing all paddlers, and increasing expertise in areas such as health, wellbeing, performance, legacy, sustainability, environment and ecotourism.
Master of Business Administration student, Olympian Jessica Fox OAM OLY was Australia’s most successful paddler at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning two gold medals which brought her total Olympic medal haul to six in total.
“Paddle Australia and Griffith University teaming up is an exciting partnership for our athletes and the paddlesport community as a whole,” Ms Fox said.
“Griffith University has a fantastic high performance athlete program for those studying locally, but also via distance.
Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM OLY.
“The support has been incredible for me around my studies allowing me to train and compete.”
Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM OLY said the partnership would support all paddle athletes and paddle performance outcomes.
“This is a massive opportunity to create a whole-of-sport legacy in Australia which extends beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Griffith will work with Paddle Australia on research areas which will ultimately improve the sport of paddling and include areas such as ecotourism, legacy, sustainability, athlete health and performance research.
“The partnership is a great outcome for Griffith students, and will help to produce the future performance scientists who will work in the sporting industry moving forward.”
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane.
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said she was excited to work strategically with Griffith to strengthen and expand the existing relationship.
“While we have been working with Griffith University for a long period of time and many of our elite athletes are already supported by the Sports College, this exciting partnership allows us to widen our scope, and explore further opportunities for our sport, our lifestyle and our people,” Ms Crane said.
“The partnership will provide opportunities for PhD students to be embedded in our programs and to explore projects beyond sport performance, including athlete and staff wellbeing.
“The work will reach across the whole-of-sport research, education, social and community impact, women’s leadership and Olympic and Paralympic Games engagement and legacy.”
The future of pediatric nursing could see digital technology play a larger role in delivering safer and more personalised care for children.
Dr Karin Plummer
Dr Karin Plummer, from Griffith University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, is researching how wearable biosensors, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and chatbot support tools can improve the care and experience of children in hospital.
“My research looks at how these technologies can reduce distress, support clinicians and parents, and ultimately, improve health outcomes for children,” Dr Plummer said.
“Technology is such a great tool in a medical setting, however, it is only useful if it actually gets used in practice.
“One of the biggest gaps I’ve identified is not about whether digital tools work, but how they’re implemented.
“In most cases, it’s simply not available at some hospitals, so my work focuses on understanding those barriers and developing practical, equitable pathways to embed these technologies into real-world care.”
The future of pediatric nursing could see more use of smart tools such as AI-powered clinical decision support, wearable sensors which provide real-time health data, and mobile platforms which support symptom tracking and communication between families and care teams.
These tools have the potential to transform care, especially for children living with complex or chronic conditions, and those in rural or regional areas.
Digital health innovations offer clear benefits of improved safety through early warning systems, reduced medication errors, streamlined workflows, and better symptom tracking.
Importantly, they also empower children and families to participate in care decisions and symptom reporting.
Dr Plummer said we should not be concerned about technology replacing humans in the industry.
“While AI is able to analyse huge amounts of data and help identify patterns which might signal a critical condition, it’s not a replacement for a nurse or doctor,” she said.
“We still need clinical judgement and human connection.”
However, digital innovations come at a cost.
Many promising tools never make it into everyday care.
“If we’re going to invest in digital health, we must make sure we’re doing so sustainably and ethically,” Dr Plummer said.
Dr Plummer’s editorial ‘Harnessing technology in pediatric nursing” Balancing innovation, equity and sustainability’ has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing.
A Griffith University agricultural scientist is helping Queensland coffee growers leap a major industry hurdle, propelling Australian coffee from commodity-grade to ‘specialty coffee’ status and boosting coffee crop valuation.
Driven by a collaborative project with industry partners under the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative, the innovation marks a turning point for Australian coffee growers, who are now able to take a front seat in a market historically dominated by roasters and importers.
Dr Fawad Ali on site in Mareeba, Queensland.
Led by Research Fellow Dr Fawad Ali from Griffith’s School of Environment and Science, the project – currently operating with growers from Tropical North Queensland’s Tablelands region – has delivered a series of innovations for implementation at a commercial scale in future which are empowering local coffee growers to command premium prices previously reserved for international competitors.
“The industry has what’s known as the ‘coffee cupping score’, which is based on flavour, aroma and aftertaste, and goes from 0 to 100,” Dr Ali said.
“Only coffees scoring 80 points or above get the ‘specialty coffee’ badge of honour.
“Through our novel fermentation techniques and optimised nitrogen inputs, we have established laboratory-based factual evidence for achieving a cupping score of more than 80, up from just 73.
“This will elevate their coffee crops from commodity status to ‘specialty coffee’ status and now allows Queensland coffee growers to command significantly higher prices in premium markets.”
Dr Fawad Ali
Dr Ali is leading the three-year project on the ground with Tablelands coffee growers for the past year, and among its other initial achievements are:
Improving quality to broaden the market avenue for Australian coffee, allowing farmers to brand their coffee as ‘Queensland-produced’ and ‘Queensland-branded’
Establishing the first on-site coffee lab at the farm gate (Murat Farms), which handles processing, roasting, grading, and cupping, bringing the full value chain to growers
Improving nutrient management using optimal nitrogen application, which has not only boosted flavour profiles to ‘specialty coffee’ status but also cut resource usage by 35–50%
This includes a comparable reduction in methane emissions, highlighting a win-win in cost-efficiency and sustainability
“This project will create opportunities for the implementation of laboratory-based prototype models on a commercial scale through future funds,” Dr Ali said
One of Dr Ali’s 10 novel hybrid coffee plants being trialled in the program.
With a staggering 85% of Australia’s coffee produced in Tropical North Queensland in the Tablelands region, Dr Ali said the scientific innovations and the passionate coffee-growing community had the potential to transform the Australian market.
Elsewhere, climate change is impacting the coffee production and crop value in major coffee-producing regions, including Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
“Coffee growers would have the potential to influence the market in liaison with high-end quality roasters,” he said.
“Our coffee farmers are entering a new era to boost the area of production through increased plant numbers, where their product quality earns rightful recognition and premium returns.
“We’re no longer asking people to taste our coffee – they’re coming to us, which is a game-changing moment for Australian agriculture.”
Backed by key industry partners, the initiative represents a unified effort across growers, researchers, and roasters, including sensory science experts.
The $718,000 project, titled ‘Invigorating the coffee industry in Tropical North Queensland’ will wrap up in 2027 with additional outcomes and recommendations to follow.
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 PSMDUniv
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
Professor Kate Galloway, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the law, to education, and to the community. Professor Galloway has had a remarkable impact on the University in the roles of Director, Career Readiness, Arts Education and Law; Education Lead, Climate Action Beacon; Deputy Chair, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Arts Education and Law; Committee Member, Equity Committee; and Associate Professor of Law, Griffith Law School.
Professor Stuart Howden, Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the General Division for eminent service to environmental science, to the global response on climate change and adaptation, to agriculture, and to tertiary education. Professor Howden is an alumnus completing his PhD (ENS) at Griffith in 1990.
Mr Jeremy Heathcote, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to indigenous community health. Mr Heathcote is an alumnus who completed a Master of Employment Relations (2018).
Mrs Erika Gleeson, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the disability sector. Mrs Gleeson is an alumnus studying a Graduate Certifate in Autism Studies (2015)
The late Mr Ian Cousins, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community of the Gold Coast. Mr Cousins was a former member of the Griffith Business School Steering Committee.
Dr Nur Shkembi, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the visual arts. Dr Shkembi was curator of the Destiny Disrupted exhibition, shown at Granville Centre Art Gallery and Griffith University Art Museum from 2022 to 2023.
Mr Nigel Miller, Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to child protection litigation in Queensland. Mr Miller is an alumnus having completed a Bachelor of Laws/BBus in 2003.
Ms Anita Summers, Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in leadership, program delivery and management in relation to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ms Summers is an alumnus graduating with an MA Public Sector Leadership (2012).
Mr Gregory Toman, Australia Fire Service Medal (AFSM) – Alumnus, GDip Outdoor Education (1993).
Major Julie Doherty, Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement in blood preparedness and clinical leadership as the Senior Medical Officer of the 2nd Health Battalion. Major Doherty is an alumnus who graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (2015)
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.”
