University of Tasmania

This week the University farewelled Sam Howlett, who has been the Law School’s Receptionist for the past 20 years 👏 A familiar face to staff and students, she will be missed. Sam shared the following - "I wish to thank all the Law staff and students that have made working in the Law School for the past 20 years a very positive experience." Please join us in wishing her the best!

In 2006, immunologist Professor Greg Woods began been working on Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) at Menzies Institute for Medical Research. What began as a 'side of the desk' project has now grown into a significant team working to understand the immune system of Tasmanian devils. The team's driven by a common goal – creating a vaccine for DFTD. While he officially retired in 2017, Greg is still working on the project as an Adjunct Professor, read more: https://utas.au/eT

Each year, the Vice-Chancellor's Awards recognise the outstanding work of our staff, and we love to celebrate the recipients. 🏆 The 2023 Research Excellence Medal recipient is Professor Anna King, an inspiring leader in dementia and motor neurone disease research. She has played a pivotal role in the University of Tasmania becoming well-known for expertise in this field, both in Australia and around the world. Anna’s work to find preventative strategies and treatment for neurodegeneration in the brain has profoundly affected many in our community. Findings from her research offer the potential to diagnose dementia at an earlier stage, leading to better treatment and more positive outcomes for patients and their families. Join us in congratulating Professor King on her achievements. 👏

The Young Tassie Scientists are a group of researchers who volunteer their time to share their passion for science. The program undertakes a host of activities that raise the profile of science in Tasmania, including heading into classrooms during National Science Week! Notable alum of the program include terrific University researchers, such as Matthew Fielding and Mars Buttfield-Addison! The Young Tassie Scientists are currently looking for other...young, Tassie scientists to join them! If that sounds like you, head to their website for more information: https://utas.au/eP

Join Dr Toby Newstead for a face-to-face leadership masterclass, that dives into a character-based approach to leadership development. You'll have the opportunity to identify where and how you can continue to develop your character and your leadership. Hosted in collaboration with the Launceston Chamber of Commerce. Places are limited, register now: https://utas.au/eO

There's no better day than Earth Day to highlight the work of Dr Terese Fiedler, winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Sustainability Award! Terese intentionally disrupts traditional perceptions about accounting, working to ensure that accounting education embraces social and environmental responsibility. Terese's research into the circular economy has led to recommendations for tax reform that encourage much-needed circularity. She encourages her students to think critically about accounting in those broader terms and has played a pivotal role in embedding sustainability principles across all accounting units in the Bachelor of Business program. Join us in congratulating Dr Fiedler on her achievements 👏

This week's graduation ceremony for students from our Rozelle, Sydney campus draws our autumn graduations to a close ❤️ Thank you to the wonderful staff, alumni and volunteers who make it happen across four cities and two states. Your work means our graduates can celebrate the pinnacle of their tertiary education with the people they love most. In a very tough week for our whole country, and especially Sydney, our staff showed up for our graduating students and their families.

Professor Timothy Walsh is a world leader in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He has studied AMR mechanisms for more than 20 years and published over 310 papers. Tasmania helped to shape both his career and worldview. Originally from the UK, Tim moved to Tasmania and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in 1986. He returned to the UK in 1991 to complete a PhD. Tim said coming to Tasmania was pivotal for his education. "If I hadn’t come here [Tasmania], there is no way I’d be doing what I am today. I’m dyslexic. I failed the school system and coming here gave me a rest, a valuable re-set and a chance to be creative." Professor Walsh also had advice for early-career researchers. "My advice to young graduates, in addition to not setting boundaries for yourself, is to always look beyond problems – think of solutions, don’t focus on problems." Read our full interview with Professor Walsh: https://utas.au/eM

We are hiring. Working across the University and with our external partners, the Director Peter Underwood Center will play a key leadership role in developing policies, initiatives and capacity to improve educational attainment and success in Tasmania across all stages of life, as well as modes and environments for learning. This role will significantly contribute to a positive and sustained change in educational outcomes for children, young people and their communities, and support the creation of an eco-system that enables rapid and sustained improvement of education attainment and success in Tasmania. For more information, visit: https://utas.au/eK

A new partnership between the University of Tasmania and Kina Bank will help build the capabilities of the next generation of business leaders and deliver new opportunities in Papua New Guinea. “As the world faces ongoing social, economic, and environmental challenges, we believe that business can be part of the solution." Executive Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Professor Stuart Crispin, said when discussing the partnership's benefits. As part of this partnership, tailored courses will be offered to meet local needs in areas such as leadership capability development, sustainable business, and green banking.