TECH-SAVVY TEACHING

UniSA has continued to rise in world university rankings. The University has risen 15 places in the 2018 QS World Rankings to be ranked at number 264 in the world. 

Also announced in June, UniSA moved up six places in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of the world’s top 250 young universities to be number 26.

UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says he is especially pleased that the THE rankings reflect the University’s strong relationship with industry, showing the institution is a national leader in industry income support for research and collaboration.

Since 2014, UniSA has moved up 77 places in the QS rankings and Prof Lloyd says the achievement is, in no small part, due to a determined effort to improve its research, its international outlook, its engagement with industry and its teaching and learning.

UniSA leads South Australia in both graduate employment and graduate satisfaction in the federal education department’s most recent student experience and graduate outcome data.

The latest Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) also placed UniSA in the top 10 universities nationally for overall graduate employment.

The QILT rankings give prospective students information on Australian higher education institutions from the perspective of recent students and graduates.

Adelaide-based accounting firm, Accodex Partners, takes as many as four UniSA students each year into its industry placement project and chief executive officer Chris Hooper says he finds that UniSA students are more practically oriented. “I have found UniSA’s ongoing connection to industry quite refreshing,” Hooper says.

UniSA has opened a technology transfer office in China’s most vibrant industrial development hub, Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) – the first Australian university to do so. 

The University’s technology commercialisation arm, UniSA Ventures, opened its doors at SIP at the end of January, launching a platform for the promotion of UniSA research and important access to the Chinese market and investors.

UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says the foundation of the SIP office in China will open up invaluable opportunities to showcase the University’s most innovative research and forge international industry partnerships.

“The University already has a demonstrated track record for commercial deals with Chinese companies and investors,” Prof Lloyd says. 

“Our presence in Suzhou reaffirms our commitment to China.”

A global study of the impact of business research has ranked UniSA number one in the world for brand management, with the findings published in The Australian Financial Review’s BOSS Magazine.

Determined by the League of Scholars, the analysis reviewed the academic impact, output and influence of more than 100,000 business researchers worldwide, finding UniSA to be the top for its brand management research.

The study reinforces what many of the world’s marketers already know. Brands like PepsiCo, ESPN, Kellogg’s, Westpac, Mars and Carlsberg sponsor the research at UniSA’s Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science.

Professor Byron Sharp (pictured right), Director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, says the number one ranking shows that the world can look to Australia for world-class research. 

Two UniSA Human Movement students celebrated the success of gold medals at the Commonwealth Games – pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall and track cyclist Matthew Glaetzer.

Kurtis won the men’s pole vault, clearing 5.70m on the third attempt.

On the cycling track, Matthew won the 1000m time trial, clocking the fastest time ever ridden at sea level (59.340s), and a Commonwealth Games record.

Matthew also won gold in the keirin.

The $247m, 14-storey UniSA Cancer Research Institute has opened its doors, accommodating the largest cohort of cancer researchers ever assembled in South Australia.

The new building is home to UniSA’s research-rich School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, the globally recognised Centre for Cancer Biology (an alliance between UniSA and SA Health), UniSA’s technology-based business incubation hub (in collaboration with DXC Technology and the State Government), the Innovation and Collaboration Centre and a new and unique future-focused public museum, MOD..

Pridham Hall, UniSA’s new $50 million cultural and sporting facility, has officially opened. Built to be the heart of City West campus, Pridham Hall hosted 12 graduation ceremonies in April before sporting facilities were open to the public in mid-May. Facilities include an underground heated pool, gymnasium, basketball courts, rock climbing wall, exercise and dance studio, along with flexible seminar and function rooms. Pridham Hall was named in recognition of the Pridham family and graduate, Andrew Pridham. 

UniSA’s futuristic museum of discovery, MOD., is open to the public, with six purpose-built gallery spaces and two studios over two floors, provoking new ideas at the intersection of science, art and innovation. With dynamic, changing exhibition programs, MOD. inspires young adults aged 15+ about science and technology, showcasing how research shapes our understanding of the world to inform the future.  

A powerful new musical composition marks the start of new chapters in the lives of UniSA graduates. Aboriginal Australian soprano, actor and composer, Deborah Cheetham AO (pictured) was commissioned to write the new music, Ancient Lands processional. The music will be played at the start of every UniSA graduation ceremony as part of the academic procession.

UniSA built on its partnership with the Santos Tour Down Under in 2018 by becoming naming rights partner for the national women’s team. The University also continues its partnership with the national men’s team as the 18th race was held earlier this year. The TDU has grown to become one of Australia’s leading sporting and tourism events, promoting South Australia on the world stage.

Aboriginal Australian soprano, actor and composer Deborah Cheetham AO was recognised with an Honorary Doctorate during the April graduation ceremonies, for which she wrote the new processional music.

Cheetham is a pioneer in the Australian arts landscape. She has mentored many aspiring artists and opened up significant pathways for young Aboriginal people and children to build careers in the arts and experience the joy and empowerment of performing.

Not only an accomplished opera singer, she has also developed and staged landmark musical works including Pecan Summer, the first opera written by an Aboriginal Australian for an Aboriginal cast.

Cheetham was commissioned to write the new music, Ancient Lands processional, that is now played at the start of every UniSA graduation ceremony as part of the academic procession.

Celebrated Australian architect and designer of the original UniSA City West campus, Guy Maron AM, has been made
a Fellow of the University.

The award acknowledges his significant career contribution to Australian architecture, his innovation and his major role in the foundation of UniSA’s City West campus.

UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says Maron’s design for City West, selected in a national competition, was quite revolutionary for its time.

“Guy’s work is ambitious and enterprising, reflecting his character as an architect and, as a leading educator of Australian architects, it is fitting that this University welcomes him as a Fellow,” Prof Lloyd says.

Adelaide-born advertising executive and champion of all things South Australian, Bill Muirhead AM, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his services to the State.

His decade-long commitment to promoting South Australia – drawing on his unique advertising talents and huge network of contacts – has paid off handsomely for the State since his appointment as Agent General in 2007.

A founding director of renowned British advertising agency M&C Saatchi, Muirhead has lived in the UK longer than his birth country but his South Australian roots run deep – both sides of his family settled in SA in the 1800s.

He moved to London with his family as a teenager, returning to Australia after finishing school and starting work in advertising before heading back to the UK capital, where his career flourished.

Energy research scientist, Adjunct Associate Professor Monica Oliphant AO, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UniSA recognising her career contribution to environmental sustainability and to research and education in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

An adjunct at UniSA, Assoc Prof Oliphant runs her own consultancy, Monica Oliphant Research Scientist, specialising in residential energy efficiency and renewable energy.

She graduated with a master’s degree in physics from the University of London and worked for almost 20 years as an energy research scientist for the Electricity Trust of South Australia (ETSA).

She received an AO in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List and was named Senior South Australian of the Year in 2016, in recognition of her research and education activities in renewable energy.

UniSA has conferred the honorary title of Emeritus Professor on economics researcher Professor Rhonda Sharp
in recognition of her distinguished service to the University. Through her various roles at UniSA, including Research Chair and Professor of Economics at UniSA’s Hawke Research Institute, Prof Sharp has made a significant contribution to the University’s research quantum and reputation. 

She has played an important role in building the reputation of the University through the international impact of her research, and the many invitations she received as a result to consult with and present to international governments and bodies such as the United Nations.

Her co-authored book, Shortchanged: Women and Economic Policies, was one of the earliest contributions to the field of women and Australian economic policies and received several highly favourable reviews for challenging gender blind economic theory and policy.

Business leader Pauline Carr is the new Chancellor of the University of South Australia.

Carr has been appointed to the role after the previous Chancellor, Jim McDowell, was named as Chief Executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.   

Carr says she is delighted to take on the leadership position at what is an extraordinarily exciting time in higher education. 

“I have been on University Council for several years and always feel extremely proud of UniSA and the work it does to empower people and help them achieve their ambitions,” Carr says.

“I feel privileged to take on this role and look forward to working with a great team on Council and with the executive team at UniSA.” 

With more than 30 years of management and commercial experience in the resources industry with both Australian and international listed companies, Carr brings a wealth of business, management and governance experience to the position at UniSA. 

She has been a member of UniSA Council since 2010, most recently serving as Pro Chancellor. 

Originally an accountant, Carr worked for Exxon Mobil and held senior positions in Newmont Asia Pacific and Normandy Mining Limited. 

She is chairman of National Pharmacies, a non-executive director of ASX-listed Highfield Resources Limited, a board member of the SA Government’s Minerals and Energy Advisory Council and the deputy chair of the South Australian Minerals and Petroleum Expert Group. 

A leader in the pharmacology of drugs used to treat cancer has been appointed to head UniSA’s School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences.

Professor Alan Boddy will spearhead the University’s pharmaceutical and cancer research in the new University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute.

Prof Boddy says he is excited to be joining UniSA as his interests and experience in pharmacology, and specifically the understanding of how the pharmacology of cancer drugs influences treatment outcomes, closely intertwine with UniSA’s innovative research and education principles.

Prof Boddy has been Professor of Cancer Therapeutics and Personalised Medicine in the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Pharmacy since 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Pharmacy and a PhD in Pharmacokinetics, both from the University of Manchester.

Associate Professor Tim Moore has joined the leadership team at The Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP) at UniSA as Deputy Director and Head of Practice Solutions, strengthening the centre’s position as Australia’s premier research centre looking at child abuse and neglect.

Assoc Prof Moore, an internationally recognised child and youth researcher and children’s rights advocate, moved into academia after working directly with children, young people and families.

“I wanted to better understand children’s lives and the best ways to support them and their families during periods of adversity,” Assoc Prof Moore says.

His appointment broadens the expertise of the leadership at ACCP, which also recently moved to a co-directorship structure with internationally renowned child protection experts Prof Fiona Arney and Prof Leah Bromfield at the helm.

Associate Professor Abelardo Pardo has been appointed to the position of Dean: Academic for the Division of Information Technology Engineering and the Environment (ITEE).

Formerly the Associate Head in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of Sydney, Assoc Prof Abelardo has a PhD in Computing Science (from the University of Colorado Boulder). His areas of research include leadership, and management of innovation in educational technology for IT and engineering education.

Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Beecham says Assoc Prof Abelardo brings much experience and enthusiasm to the role.

“Professor Abelardo brings with him a wealth of experience having been engaged in initiatives to broaden the outreach of IT and engineering education,” Prof Beecham says. 

Professor Nancy Arthur has been appointed to the position of Dean: Research and Innovation for the division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences (EASS).

Previously the Associate Dean of Research at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary (Canada), Prof Arthur is a registered psychologist and has several degrees including a PhD in Counselling Psychology.

Prof Arthur’s research focuses on investigating how professionals adapt to shifting roles and responsibilities in a global context and the ways that people manage international transitions in living, learning and working across cultures.

The Dean: Research and Innovation plays a pivotal role in the delivery of the University’s objectives and in the leadership and management of research at a divisional level.

Emeritus Professor Phil Howlett has been recognised for sustained and outstanding contributions to the theory and application of mathematics by the Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM) society.

Prof Howlett was presented the society’s most prestigious award, the ANZIAM Medal, at the annual ANZIAM conference in February.

The award recognises research achievements, wide-ranging activities enhancing the discipline of applied and industrial mathematics, and contribution to ANZIAM.

Professor Brenton Dansie, Head of the School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences, says Prof Howlett has had a distinguished career since joining UniSA through one of its antecedent institutions more than 50 years ago.

“Phil was one of the driving forces behind the Scheduling and Control Group, which has a worldwide reputation for its work in optimising train performance.”

UniSA pharmacist Dr Jacinta Johnson has been named Australia’s Early Career Pharmacist of the Year.

Dr Johnson, a lecturer and researcher in UniSA’s School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, received the honour at the 2018 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Excellence Awards in late July.

The award nomination singled Dr Johnson out for her extensive support and mentoring of students, her volunteer work within the industry and her research.

Described as an “exceptional role model and effective communicator”, Dr Johnson has been credited with motivating students to be innovative and achieve high standards.

South Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association President Caela Crane says Dr Johnson “is more than just a lecturer; she is a mentor and an inspiration to her students”.

“Both in the lecture theatre and in person, Jacinta is a dynamic and powerful communicator who makes complex subjects understandable and who is very generous with her knowledge and time,” Crane says.

Adjunct Professor Greg Goodall has been recognised for his outstanding work to understand cancer by the Australian Academy of Science – one of Australia’s most prestigious scientific organisations. The Australian Academy of Science has awarded Professor Greg Goodall, from the Centre for Cancer Biology (CCB), its highest honour, electing him as a fellow.

In addition, earlier this year Prof Goodall was awarded the prestigious Julian Wells Medal at the 2018 Lorne Genome Conference. The annual award is given to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to the understanding of the organisation and expression of the genome and has made a major contribution to the development of this field of research in Australia.

Prof Goodall is a Section Leader in the CCB and co-director of the CCB Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Cancer Genomics Facility at SA Pathology, an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow and an Adjunct Professor of UniSA.

The Director of UniSA’s Office of the Vice Chancellor and Strategic Programs, Adrienne Nieuwenhuis, has been appointed to the legislative body responsible for providing advice to government on how to maintain the quality and standards of Australia’s higher education system.

Adrienne Nieuwenhuis is one of five new members appointed to The Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP).  She was previously a member of the inaugural Higher Education Standards Panel (2012-2014).

Education Minister Simon Birmingham says he is looking forward to working with the panel to strengthen Australia’s higher education system.

“The panel members’ experience and expertise will continue to help develop and guide Australian higher education policies and practices,” Birmingham says.

The Executive Director of UniSA’s Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, Jacinta Thompson, has been appointed to the board that advises the Federal Government on how to deepen cooperation with the Republic of Korea.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop appointed Thompson to the Board of the Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) in August.

The AKF brings together eminent Australians with public and private sector expertise to advise the Government on how to deepen further cooperation with Korea.

In addition to her role at the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, Thompson is on the steering committee of the Asia Pacific Centre for Arts and Cultural Leadership and a member of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres.

Bishop says Korea is a vital strategic and economic partner for Australia as Australia’s fourth largest trading partner.