Chief Justice of Queensland, the Honourable Paul De Jersey AC today launchesThe Art of the Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law Catalogue in Brisbane.

Griffith University Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Marilyn McMeniman AM, will host the event at the Queen Elizabeth II Court of Law in George Street and Associate Professor Jay Younger, of the Queensland College of Art, will provide a tour of the artworks.

The artworks within the court by Sally Gabori, Yayoi Kusama and Gemma Smithwere officially recognised last year and the catalogue launched today further celebrates the art and artists, including an extended curatorial essay from Associate Professor Younger.

The sound of Griffith student Wayne Kennedy playing Flower of Scotland on the bagpipes will beone of the highlights at the fifth annual Griffith University Thanksgiving service in recognition ofbody donors this Thursday.

Wayne says the occasion is not lost on him. “It is a fantastic privilege to be able to play the pipesat such an important occasion,” he says.

The Book of Remembrance contains the names of 160 people who have bequeathed their bodiesto Griffith for anatomy teaching and research since the first in 2006.

These people will be remembered at a memorial service at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, starting at 6pm on Thursday (Oct 17).Griffith students have already reaped vital education benefits from the body donation program.Fourth year Medicine student Aditi Rai has the honour of carrying the Book of Remembrance at the ceremony.

A humbling experience

“Participating in the Thanksgiving Service for the last three years has been a very humbling experience for me,” she says. “It is a real privilege to be given this opportunity to pay my respects to the individuals who have so generously donated this greatest gift towards the furthering of medical education. The Book of Remembrance contains the names of those who have enhanced our learning through the years, providing future doctors with invaluable experience to assist us in the provision of improved medical care to the community.”

The service will start with a procession of students, academics and invited guests, led by Aditicarrying the Book of Remembrance. As part of the service, a minute’s silence will follow thereading of the donors’ names.

Head of the School of Anatomy, Professor Mark Forwood says the program supports theeducation of health students in disciplines such as medicine, medical science, pharmacy,physiotherapy, exercise science, dentistry and oral health.

“Body donations from the local community are vitally important so our health students can receivepractical training in human anatomy,” he says. “The generosity of body donors, our new state-of the-art anatomy facilities, and committed teachers ensure our students receive the very best preparation for their chosen careers.”

The Griffith Health Centre’s features some of the country’s most advanced anatomy facilities and includes an increased student capacity with three wet labs to cater for up to 300 students at one time; a ten table surgical skills laboratory and a 50 seat Anatomy and Pathology learning centre.

Over 1400 Griffith University first year students use the facility every year.

“We are very appreciative of the decisions made by these donors and the support shown by theirfamilies. This Thanksgiving Service is a public demonstration of that appreciation,” ProfessorForwood says.

For more information about Griffith’s Body Bequest program 07 5552 7700 or email [email protected]

WHEN: Thursday, October 17, from 6pm.

WHERE: Paradise Show Room, Gold Coast Arts Centre

Centre, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise.

WHO: Families and friends of donors. University staff and students and community representatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Griffith Business School team last night claimed first place in the final of the CFA Institute Research Challenge in Sydney.

John Fan, Andrew L’Estrelle, Euan Orsini and Jason Rayment saw off contenders from University of Technology Sydney, University of Woollongong and defending champions University of Sydney to take out the prestigious title.

The CFA Challenge is a global educational initiative that promotes best practices in equity research among the next generation of analysts through hands-on mentoring and intensive training in company analysis and presentation skills.

To qualify for the Sydney decider, the Griffith team compiled a professional-quality stock report based on an introductory presentation by Caltex Australia Limited at the launch of the Challenge in July.

The presentation skills of the four finalists went under the microscope last night with all four team members involved in a 10-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute Q&A session.

After consultation by a panel of judges made up with industry leaders Griffith University was announced the one-point winner, edging out previously unbeaten University of Sydney.

“We thought maybe this was our time,” team leader John Fan said. “It’s very exciting. It is literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“We had pushed very hard from the very start of the competition and we were constantly reaching for the highest standard. We knew we had a strong report and we made that the foundation of our presentation.

“We concentrated on the strongest part of the report, we kept it simple and clear, did not over-complicate it and emphasised the key points. I think that may have set us apart.”

The Griffith team now advance to the Asia-Pacific Regional Finals in Bangkok next April, one of two teams to represent Australia.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to see the leading teams in Asia. But first we have exams and assignments to deal with. I am finalising my thesis to be submitted in January.”

John is completing a PhD on momentum investing and commodity futures markets. His teammates Andrew, Euan and Jason are Bachelor of Commerce students at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus.

John paid tribute to the support team at the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, highlighting the input of academic advisor Dr Alexandr Akimov and industry advisor Ken Howard from RBS Morgans.

“Dr Akimov was extremely thorough, always encouraging and really had faith in us.

“We have rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed for the last two to three weeks. I think the result is a great payback on all that hard work.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to broaden my experience which had been mainly academic to this point.

“The Challenge was a chance to expand into a more practical field by working with industry advisors and presenting in front of industry leaders. It gave me a new and different insight into the finance industry.”

THE election of the Abbott government provides a great opportunity to change economic policy settings and steer the economy to a higher growth path according to Professor Tony Makin in an opinion piece in The Australian. Click here to go to the article.

THE election of the Abbott government provides a great opportunity to change economic policy settings and steer the economy to a higher growth path. – See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/pro-business-policy-only-good-if-it-is-pro-market-and-spurs-growth/story-e6frgd0x-1226739862131#sthash.ouMsyHEw.dpuf

Alumni, friends, industry partners, staff and students came together to celebrate at the 2013 Arts, Education and Law Gala Dinner and Awards Night on Friday, October 11.

Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the third annual dinner was attended by 240 guests.

ABC Radio National’s Paul Barclay hosted the night, with showcase performances from third-year Musical Theatre students and a stunning performance from Australian singer-songwriter Katie Noonan and her string quartet. Katie was the 2012 AEL Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.

Senior Sergeant Corey Allen took out the 2013 AEL Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award, while barrister Joshua Cream won the AEL outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year Award. Twenty-six alumni from across AEL were honoured for their achievements and successes as part of the evening’s celebration.

The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for AEL alumni to re-engage with each other and recognise the diversity of graduates’ achievements.

Griffith University and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, Pacific Regional Office) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote strategic partnerships in the region. The MOU will provide a solid platform for ongoing collaborative research projects, capacity building, and increase Griffith’s profile in the region as a desirable destination for post-graduate studies. The MoU was signed on 26th of August on Griffith’s behalf by Professor Sushila Chang (Dean, Academic, SEET) and by Mr Taholo Kami, IUCN’s Regional Director, IUCN Oceania Regional Office (ORO).

Professor Brendan Mackey, Director, Griffith Climate Change Response Program (GCCRP), has initiated this collaboration as part of the program’s strategic engagement in Asia-Pacific. Professor Mackey has a special relationship with IUCN having been elected by its world membership at the 2012 World Conservation Congress to serve on the organisation’s global governing council.

This strategic partnership will include the following activities:

About IUCN: The IUCN was founded in 1948 as the world’s first global environmental organization and today it is the largest professional global conservation network. The IUCN is a leading authority on the environment and sustainable development with more than 1,200 member organizations including 200+ government and 900+ non-government organizations, and around 11,000 voluntary scientists and experts, grouped in six Commissions in some 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 45 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. The Union’s headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, in Switzerland and has six regional offices including IUCN Oceania, which includes Australia. IUCN provides a neutral forum for governments, NGOs, scientists, business and local communities to find practical solutions to conservation and development challenges, and it is implementing thousands of field projects and activities around the world.

Written by: Johanna Mustelin

Kirsty Wright is a senior lecturer in Forensic Biology at Griffith University and an internationally renowned DNA profiling expert who can be called upon to help identify victims of war or disaster anywhere in the world.

She is also a finalist in this year’s 100 Women of Influence Awards staged by The Australian Financial Review and Westpac Group.

Importance of role models

Kirsty said she is flattered to be counted among influential Australian women who are making an impact and helping break down stereotypes.

“I think it is important for younger women to have role models who motivate them to challenge themselves in the name of public service and innovation at a national and international level,” Kirsty said.

“I had such a role model when I was studying at Griffith University and she strongly influenced my career path and made me realise women can have a significant impact in our society and establish themselves as international leaders.

“Through this nomination I hope to raise awareness of the disaster work performed by police and forensic scientists across Australia. These are a group of extremely dedicated and hard working professionals who provide a humanitarian service in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable, to assist victims regain their identity and be returned to their loved ones for a final farewell.”

Judging criteria

The 100 finalists were drawn from more than 500 prominent nominees from every state and territory of Australia, as well as overseas. They represent excellence in economics, business and the arts, the public sector and non-profit organisations, philanthropy and academia.

Judging was based on a range of criteria, including a nominee’s personal and career achievements, as well as their contribution and ­mentoring of other women.

There are 10 categories: board/management, innovation, public ­policy, business entrepreneur, diversity, young leader, global, social enterprise or not-for-profit, philanthropy and local/regional.

Kirsty is a finalist in the global category.

Global contribution

Kirsty brought her expertise to the 2002 Bali Bombings forensic operation and in 2005 was DNA Team Leader for the International Disaster Victim Identification effort at the Thai Tsunami Victim Identification Centre in Phuket.

Also holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Australian Air Force, Kirsty is part of a forensic fly-way team which is called in whenever there is a major incident involving serving Defence personnel. She also lends her skills to the Unrecovered War Casualties-Army Unit, identifying and bringing home the remains of fallen from WW1, WW2 and the Korea war.

Kirsty has assisted Interpol with the development of identification software to be used for mass disasters and missing persons around the world.

Back home here at Griffith, Kirsty lectures undergraduate students as well as convening the Master of Forensic Science degree which is currently offered only to serving members of the Queensland Police Service.

Top 100

This year’s 100 Women of Influence Awards judging panel was co-chaired by Narelle Hooper and Catherine Fox, both former journalists with The Australian Financial Review. It seems the panel had a challenging time deciding between the nominees.

“All of them were making a strong ­contribution through their work as role models who are transforming attitudes and ­shattering stereotypes,”Catherine Fox said.

The winner of each of the ten categories, as well as the overall 2013 Woman of Influence, will be announced at gala dinner in Sydney on October 17.

Griffith offers a Bachelor of Forensic Science degree and a Double degree; Bachelor of Forensic Science and Criminology/Criminal Justice.

The Institute for Glycomics has capped off 2013 Glycomics Week with a gala dinner to celebrate research achievements and successful partnerships throughout the past year.

Director of the Institute, Professor Mark von Itzstein, thanked everyone for their support for the Institute and their contribution to another successful Glycomics Week.

“The Institute has had a number of major scientific advances during 2013 and I am delighted with our progress,” Professor von Itzstein said.

Patron of the childhood leukaemia research project, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC AFC (Ret’d) told dinner guests of his pride in the inroads being made against the disease.

Vaughn Johnson, patron of the melanoma project, added his admiration for the promising work being done in identifying inhibitors for specific sugar structures which are found on melanoma cells.

The Member for Gregory and Queensland Government Whip then assisted the auctioneer keep track of spirited bidding as a range of surprising items went up for sale. They included a monogramed handkerchief belonging to former US President Franklin Roosevelt and a ten kilo block of chocolate. The auction raised in excess of $14,000.

Other events during the 2013 Glycomics Week included the Peter Gallagher Memorial Glycomics Public Lecture given by Professor Benjamin Davis from the University of Oxford. Professor Davis is internationally recognised for his contribution to the field of glycoscience and his lecture “The World is Made of Sugar and Dirt” addressed the issue of why sugars are such important yet neglected molecules.

Professor Davis also took part in the 2013 Glycomics Student Forum with another keynote presentation being made by Associate Professor John Gerrard, Director of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Gold Coast Health.

At the Glycomics Week Gala dinner Professor von Itzstein paid special tribute to the young researchers who work and study at the Institute.

“You are future leaders in the field of medical research and without you the Institute would be nothing.”

Take a look at our photosfrom the Gala dinner on Facebook – Photo Album

 

The 2013 Gold Coast Rugby Sevens this weekend brings a heady mix of colour, flair, skill and excitement to the city. It also brings with it a timely reminder that there is work to be done if Australia is to take full advantage from the sport’s debut at the 2016 Olympic Games.

“It is crucial that the ARU (Australian Rugby Union) gets a structure in place to develop and sustain sevens rugby in the build-up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio,” Ben Corbett, a Griffith University sports management researcher, says.

“A defined structure for running sevens competitions in Australia is vital rather than a few one-off competitions. There is no way to develop sevens skills without that structure at national level. That means a strategic change to the traditional approach to sevens rugby in Australia.”

Ben Corbett is completing a PhD at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus where he is studying how sevens rugby is run globally and how it can be effectively developed ahead of its 2016 Rio debut.

He says right moves in the right direction are happening in Australia, highlighting a recent ARU restructure that will incorporate a new Sevens Department and where its general manager is charged with building the competition structures and player pathways.

“The Olympic Games represent a huge opportunity for the sport. Right now, more and more people want to play the game than ever before because of the Olympics.

“But it’s after the Rio Games, after the world sees what an exciting and entertaining sport it is, that the numbers coming to the sport will really swell.

“If the proper structures are not in place in Australia by that stage, then we could miss the boat. However, if the structures have been tried and tested before the Olympics it will put us in a great position to embrace the Olympic afterglow.

“We are now beginning to follow the lead shown by other countries where they specialise in sevens. It means some players have to choose to move away from 15-man rugby which can be a huge decision in a country like Australia where there is a traditional expectation and therefore pressure to play 15s.”

Mr Corbett has visited Kenya, South Africa and his native United States to investigate how sevens rugby is treated around the world. He has also gathered research data from 24 rugby unions around the globe.

“Facilities, values and attitudes to the sport are issues that keep coming up. Sevens is part of the PE curriculum in a lot of countries and there has been a notable shift in attitudes since it became an official Olympic sport. It’s no longer seen just as a social sport.”

This weekend’s Gold Coast Sevens at Skilled Park kicks off the HSBC Sevens World Series.

When the tournament comes around again in 12 months time, it will kick off the contest for places at the 2016 Olympics with the four top-ranked teams in May 2015 qualifying directly for the Rio Games.

An Australian Research Council Linkage Project team who, with Queensland government partner agency, the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations (now the Department of Education, Training and Employment), have spent the past five years investigating the internal dynamics of collaborative union and non-union relationships with managers in Australian workplaces, hosted a day-long symposium on 10 October for industry, practitioners and academics, at Griffith University’s South Bank campus.

Research findings featured at the event highlighted the movement of traditional workplace partnerships beyond that with unions, to now include areas like employee engagement.

“The research uncovered the success that can be achieved through managers and unions working together to solve problems”, Chief Investigator (CI) Associate Professor Keith Townsend notes.

“Additionally [we] were able to develop an understanding of the contribution that different levels [of] line managers play, in industrial relations and human resource management. The research has also made an important contribution to policy debates around enterprise bargaining”, Keith says.

Associate Professor Townsend, and Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing Director, and lead Project CI, Professor Adrian Wilkinson, also welcomed Professor John Purcell, formerly of Oxford, Warwick and Bath universities, who discussed with attendees, the place of joint workplace consultation and its influence on collectivism.

Further presentations on the day included those from fellow Project CI’s Professor Kerry Brown (Central Queensland University) on the effect of partnerships on public sector employment relations, and Professor John Burgess (Curtin University) on the state of Australian employment partnerships; Australian Postgraduate Award recipient and WOW-affiliated Higher Degree Research student, Evelyn Sen on employee voice in the absence of an active union presence in the workplace; and WOW adjunct Professor, Bruce Kaufman (Georgia State University) with closing comments.

The Linkage Project team were awarded funding totaling $328 000 AUD over three years (grant number LP09890151). The grant is entitled ‘Managing Productive and Collaborative Relations in Australia’.