Latest UTAS News

UTAS alumni awards close soon

Nominations for the 2010 UTAS Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2010 Foundation Graduate Award close on 18 December.

Warm welcome to UTAS

The UTAS Community Friends and Networks Programme was launched in Hobart this week.

Source of ethical food

Hidden behind the Tasmanian University Union Building along French Street is a sustainable living demonstration garden that plans to open a food co-op selling affordable organic produce in 2010.

Art of Christmas

The Menzies Research Institute and Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation’s 2009 Christmas card collection features eight original Tasmanian artworks.

Lunchtime swing dance at Newnham

There will be no excuses for eating your lunch at the desk with a swing dance class planned for the Newnham campus courtyard on 9 December.

Time for a new timetabling solution

A new timetabling solution for UTAS will be introduced in 2011 to help minimise class clashes and make class scheduling easier.

Fire the spirit with music

Hobart’s spirit will fire up with a series of concerts featuring iconic works by Mahler and Stravinsky during December.

Friday file fling

This week is National Recycling Week and Planet Ark has nominated Friday, 13 November as “Friday File Fling” to encourage people to clear out their old files and recycle paper.

Applications sought for Churchill Fellowships

More than 100 Churchill Fellowships are on offer in 2010 for Australians who want to conduct research overseas and bring the benefits back to Australia.

Patents and their effect on commercialisation

Patents and whether they have any effect on the likelihood that an invention will be commercialised will be discussed at a seminar at the UTAS Sandy Bay campus on November 19.

Shakespeare festival

An Australian Shakespeare Festival, organised by the UTAS Conservatorium of Music, will be the centrepiece of Tasmania’s winter next year.

Debate on legalising voluntary euthanasia

A public debate on the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia will be held the UTAS Newnham campus next week.

Rhodes scholarship recipient announced

UTAS graduate Rhea Longley, 22, was today awarded the Rhodes Scholarship for 2010.

December graduations

UTAS staff members are being encouraged to celebrate the upcoming December graduations at Launceston, Hobart, and for the first time, Burnie.

Elite Research Scholarships - first round applications close soon

More than 100 Elite Research Scholarships, worth $30,000 per year, are on offer to UTAS PhD candidates next year - with applications for first round offers closing on November 15.

UTAS gives PhD students laptops

UTAS PhD research candidates who commenced their higher degree on or after January 1, 2009, will be provided with a laptop under the Graduate Research Laptop Scheme.

Moss Mania exhibition

Tasmanian Mosses are the focus of the latest exhibition at the Morris Miller Library at the UTAS Sandy Bay campus.

HECS-free study for visual and performing arts school teachers

Scholarships to cover HECS course fees are being offered to registered visual and performing arts school teachers in Tasmania to study a Master of Contemporary Arts (MCA) at the University of Tasmania in 2010.

UTAS professor wins Australia's richest literary prize

UTAS Riawunna chair and School of History and Classics Professor, Henry Reynolds, is the co-author of Drawing the Global Colour Line, which won the non-fiction category in the 2009 Prime Minister's Literary Award this week.

Phishing scam

Dear Staff and Students,

Please be advised that a spam email is currently circulating the University's email system and soliciting account information from University members. The message claims that a system upgrade is underway, and that email accounts will be deleted unless verified.

State architect working with UTAS

The newly appointed State Architect for Tasmania, Peter Poulet, has accepted an invitation to collaborate with the UTAS School of Architecture and Design.

Royal Society of Tasmania Annual Doctoral (PhD) Award

Nominations for the $1000 Royal Society of Tasmania Annual Doctoral (PhD) Award close on 16 November, 2009.

Teaching Matters Conference 2009

The Teaching Matter Conference, Partnerships for Learning: On Campus and Beyond, will be held in Hobart on 26 November, 2009.

November teaching and learning training

Training sessions on developing professional e-portfolios are being run by the Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching at Launceston and Hobart during November.

Teacher education goes online in Tasmania

The University of Tasmania’s Faculty of Education has changed its pre-service teaching degrees for students enrolling in 2010.

Launch of UTAS Public Place Recycling Project

The first stage of the University of Tasmania’s plan to reduce the amount of its waste going to landfill was launched this week.

UTAS research receives ARC funding

A method to protect Tasmania's electricity supply from climate change is part of $4 million in Australian Research Council grants for the University of Tasmania, announced this week.

Final commercialisation workshop for 2009

UTAS researchers looking to leverage more funding for their research or commercialisation projects through industry partners would benefit from attending a free commercialisation skills workshop on November 5.

First aid defibrillators at UTAS

The University of Tasmania is the first Tasmanian organisation to extensively install lifesaving heart defibrillators in the workplace.

Commercialisation seed fund

Six grants worth up to $5000 each are on offer in the inaugural UTAS Commercialisation Seed Fund.

Formal method of examining students

Professor of rural sociology at the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, Frank Vanclay, has just returned from an overseas examination duty.

Students deliver cheap and easy food message

The School of Human Life Sciences in Launceston organised a health promotion expo as part of National Nutrition Week.

Phishing scam

Please be advised that a spam email is currently circulating the University's email system and soliciting account information from University members.

Follow UTAS on Twitter

The University of Tasmania has joined the flock and set-up its own Twitter channel.

Excellent achievements for UTAS Vice-Chancellor

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew today announced his intention to leave the University at the end of his second term next year.

Traditional earth cooking method showcased

Riawunna, the University’s Aboriginal Centre, celebrated the end of semester by having an “Umu” for staff, students and the community today.

UTAS wins $5 million in funding

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew today welcomed $5 million of funding awarded to the University.

Equity and Diversity Week luncheon

A women’s networking lunch will be held as part of the university's celebrations during Equity and Diversity Week 2009.

ROCU Outcomes

The first edition of the UTAS Research Office Commercialisation Unit’s (ROCU) bi-monthly publication Outcomes is available online.

Your Voice @ UTAS staff survey

Forums to discuss recommendations for UTAS action priorities as identified through the Your Voice@UTAS Survey will be held at Hobart tomorrow (9 October) and Launceston on 15 October.

VC Awards for teaching excellence

UTAS staff and students are being encouraged to nominate worthy staff from across the university for a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning.

Tasmanian Creative Arts Summer School

The School of Visual and Performing Arts in Launceston is once again hosting the Tasmanian Creative Arts Summer School from 13-22 January, 2010.

Good as gold

A business idea that can help identify the location of new deposits of gold has won the $25,000 first prize in the 2009 UTAS Business Competition.

UTAS women leaders

Applications for the UTAS Leadership Development Program for Women close on October 16.

Deputy PM opens $10m maritime research facility at AMC

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education Julia Gillard today opened the new $10m Cavitation Research Laboratory at the Australian Maritime College.

Multimedia art at Morris Miller Library

Bill Hart’s multi-media exhibition The Conditions of Ambient Cognition, in the foyer window of the Morris Miller Library, is a mesmerising display.

Facebook stalking and catastrophic software failures

Risks involved with using Facebook applications and historic catastrophic software failures will be discussed at two lectures presented by internationally acclaimed public speaker and computer programmer, Paul Fenwick, at UTAS this Friday.

$25,000 UTAS Business Competition final

UTAS staff are invited to come along and support their innovative colleagues pitch their ideas at the final of the $25,000 UTAS Business Competition this Friday (2 October).

International and national policy impacts on innovation

The impact that recent international policy changes will have on Australia will be discussed at a free public seminar hosted by the Australian Innovation Research Centre (AIRC) next week.

Young Achiever Awards nominations open

Nominations for the Southern Cross Young Achiever awards are open and organisers are calling for people to nominate a young person between the ages of 14-28 who is making a valuable contribution to their community.

Soroptimists create the perfect recipe to help the endangered Tasmanian devil

A cookbook, a Tasmanian women’s organisation, and a generous dash of goodwill are supporting projects into the devastating Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) affecting the iconic Tasmanian Devil population.

New dental teaching facilities to train local oral health staff

Local DHHS Oral Health Services Tasmania dental therapists and dental assistants are the first to use brand new dental teaching facilities at the University’s Rural Clinical School in Burnie.

Focus on agricultural future

A new plan launched this week by the State Government and the University of Tasmania is set to guide the strategic growth of Tasmania’s agricultural sector over the next three years.

Get out and get active for UTAS staff North and South

Wondering what to do to keep fit and active? A walk and a healthy bite to eat at lunch time is an easy option on the Sandy Bay campus and in Launceston there are a range of activities through a new Active Launceston pilot project.

UTAS tall poppies

A UTAS separation scientist and an epidemiologist were recognised at the Victorian and Tasmanian Young Tall Poppy Science Awards ceremony in Melbourne last night.

Increasing your chances of successful ageing

Older Tasmanians interested in enrolling at university are being encouraged to take part in a world-first study launched by the University of Tasmania and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (Wicking Centre).

New super computer for UTAS helps forecast world climate

Complex science problems are being solved faster than ever before with the installation of a $1 million super-computing facility at UTAS by the Tasmanian Partnership for Advanced Computing.

New pedestrian crossings at Sandy Bay campus

Pedestrians will benefit from new pedestrian crossings being installed this month around the UTAS Sandy Bay campus.

New Dean of Science, Engineering and Technology

Microbiologist and industrial biotechnologist, Professor Margaret Britz, has been appointed as the University of Tasmania’s Dean of Science, Engineering and Technology.

Architects of good student-staff communication

The internal workings of the School of Architecture and Design are being revealed through an electronic newsletter, which the School hopes will promote student and staff connections.

Renewable energy expertise sought by Russia

An internationally recognised expert in renewable energy from the University of Tasmania has been invited to visit some of Europe’s largest engineering institutions to speak about his latest research.

Work wanted for students

The UTAS Student Employment Service is seeking work placements for University of Tasmania students.

UTAS and Hobart City Council agreement

The University of Tasmania and Hobart City Council are working to promote Hobart as a centre of educational excellence offering world class educational opportunities and facilities.

UTAS rewarded for marketing excellence

An innovative student recruitment campaign by the UTAS marketing department has received a national award.

New era of commercialisation at UTAS

A significant commercialisation partnership that will achieve a greater conversion of UTAS research onto the global market was launched last night.

Four UTAS researchers win ARC Future Fellowships

Four prestigious four-year research fellowships have been awarded to researchers to undertake their work at the University of Tasmania.

Indigenous literacy fundraiser

Two medical practitioners who were part of the Federal Government’s Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), otherwise known as the 'Intervention', will speak at an indigenous health forum at the UTAS Sandy Bay campus this Friday.

East Timor consul-general visits UTAS

East Timor’s consul-general Abel Guterres visited UTAS last week to meet East-Timorese students studying in Hobart and discuss future research linkages between the university and East Timor.

Faculty of Arts routine course review

Students and staff are encouraged to provide written submissions as part of the Faculty of Arts regular review of its courses.

Educational integrity conference

A conference focusing on educational integrity issues relating to accommodating the needs of international students and students with a disability will be held at the University of Wollongong at the end of this month.

Work starts on New UTAS Sports Club Rooms

Anyone driving from the East Tamar Highway into the UTAS Newnham campus in the last few weeks will have noticed new building works.

The source of innovation

A lecture discussing the factors underlying our propensity to innovate will be held on Friday, September 11 as part of the Australian Innovation Research Centre’s 2009 seminar series.

Infrared imaging now available at UTAS

A new $210,000 infrared spectrometer with a state-of-the-art infrared microscope at UTAS has the potential to diagnose cancer and help save valuable heritage objects.

Your Voice @ UTAS staff survey - update

UTAS staff are being encouraged to provide feedback on the results and suggest action priorities as part of the Your Voice @ UTAS survey before September 12.

Threatened Species Lecture

Tasmania’s threatened species will be the focus of a free public lecture at the UTAS Sandy Bay campus on Friday, 11 September.

Australia's chief scientist visits UTAS

Australia’s chief scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, will speak about how astronomy has influenced other science disciplines at a free public lecture in Hobart next Monday.

Fossil expert to speak at UTAS

An international expert in evolutionary palaeontology and devout Christian will discuss the theories of science and religion at a lecture in Hobart on 16 September, 2009.

ACE CRC funded for further 5 years

Tasmania’s future in cutting-edge climate science research has been secured with the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC) receiving funding from the Australian Government for a further five years.

Conservatorium Professor selected for international jury

The head of the UTAS Conservatorium of Music will serve on the prestigious international jury for the Quadrennial International Exhibition of Performance Design and Space at Prague in 2011.

Members sought for UTAS Environmental Management Group

Four volunteers are being sought to take-up positions on the UTAS Environmental Management Group.

Australian perspective on innovation in America

The global financial crisis and the after-shocks being felt in the USA will be analysed at a lecture in Hobart this Friday.

Second Stage Announced for Co-Location project

The construction of stage two of the Menzies and medical School Co-Location project is set to get underway after the Federal government made a major funding announcement in the May 2009 budget.

UTAS supports charity marathon

Contestants are gearing up for the 2009 Ross Marathon which is taking place on Sunday, 6 September.

UTAS tribute for Jan Sedivka, musician and pedagogue 1917 - 2009

The University of Tasmania today acknowledged the talent, influence and teaching prowess of Professor Jan Sedivka.

Australian of the Year nominations

Nominations for Australian of the year 2010 close next Monday, 31 August.

Law students make ALSA finals

There was significant success for University of Tasmania students who competed in Brisbane recently at the annual Australian Law Students Association (ALSA) conference.

Public generosity fuels further Tasmanian Devil research for 2009

A new wave of cutting edge research aimed at combating the disease ravaging the Tasmanian Devil population is underway – thanks to the generosity of donors around the world.

Barefoot Investor at UTAS Open Day

Author, stockbroker, media commentator and nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, Scott Pape - The Barefoot Investor - will be appearing as one of the highlights of the UTAS Open Day in Hobart on Sunday 23 August.

New market initiative for North West women farmers

North West Coast women farmers and producers look set to increase their local “market” share with the launch of a new project in Devonport this week.

International agricultural research partnership discussions

The Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (TIAR) hosted a delegation of agricultural scientists from China this week to discuss potential research partnerships between TIAR, UTAS School of Agricultural Science and Chinese research institutions.

Laugh while you learn mathematics

A stand-up comedian direct from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will be performing in Hobart on Thursday, 20 August as part of National Science Week 2009.

TAMAR Region: Creating a Sustainable Future Forum

UTAS will be hosting the TAMAR Region: Creating a Sustainable Future Forum at the Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre UTAS Newnham Campus, Launceston.

Broadway comes to Australia

Fans of musicals will be able to see hit broadway numbers performed in Tassie, thanks to a new initiative between the UTAS Conservatorium of Music, the American Society of Composers & Performers (ASCAP) and the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA).

Internet pioneer visits UTAS

Internet pioneer and physicist Professor Larry Smarr visited UTAS this week to discuss opportunities for the university to take advantage of Tasmania’s $700 million optic fibre network rollout.

Good Guide shows UTAS stars

The University of Tasmania is continuing to earn it stars in the Good Universities Guide.

August graduations

It was a festive atmosphere at the UTAS Sandy Bay campus last weekend with 786 students celebrating their graduation.

Chemical recipes for disaster

Fiery explosions, beautiful reactions and stunt jelly babies will be the highlights of a chemistry magic show touring Tasmania this week.

UTAS kidney transplant couple conquer Launceston 10

Running 10km seems like an enormous challenge for many individuals, but for two UTAS staff members completing the Launceston 10 was a small hurdle compared with other obstacles they have faced.

Volunteers sought for vitamin D study

A University of Tasmania investigation into how the Tasmanian weather impacts on balance and muscle strength is seeking volunteers from northern Tasmania to be part of the study.

Alternative transport options for Hobart

An international expert in sustainable transport will discuss opportunities for improving Hobart’s transport system at a lecture in Hobart on Friday, 7 August 2009.

Seeking male runners in Launceston

Runners can escape the cold Launceston winter by participating in a trial being run by the UTAS School of Human Life Sciences.

Scholarships will tackle environmental issues

Environmental research projects will be supported through two Alcorso Foundation Honours Environment Scholarships recently presented.

$500,000 funding for Asian languages project

A new UTAS project to develop Asian language excellence in Tasmania has received a $500,000 funding boost from the Federal Government.

Antarctica - the cultural challenge

A series of free public lectures celebrating Antarctica have been organised by the UTAS School of History and Classics.

The Climate Project

Sandra Murray from the School of Human Life Science, has just returned from being trained by former US vice president Al Gore at The Climate Project – Australia, Asia Pacific Summit (A-P Summit)

Your Voice forums

Staff are encouraged to attend the forums being held at Hobart, Launceston and Burnie to discuss the results of the Your Voice @ UTAS survey.

Indigenous leader to speak at UTAS

Leader in indigenous higher education, MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, will speak at a women’s networking luncheon at UTAS campuses in Launceston and Hobart next week.

Protecting yourself on the internet

Internet security will be discussed at a free public lecture evening hosted by the UTAS School of Computing and Information Systems as part of National ICT Careers Week.

Feasibility study for new Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

The first steps in the development of a purpose-built facility for the new UTAS Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies on Hobart’s waterfront are under way.

Players sought for sport

The new Launceston Unigym social sports roster is out and UTAS staff are being encouraged to sign-up.

UTAS lecturer fosters mathematical genius

A Tasmanian high school student, tutored by a UTAS Mathematics lecturer, has been invited to Moscow to work with the world’s leading mathematicians.

2010 Teaching Development Grants

Grants of up to $24,000 are up for grabs in the UTAS Teaching Development Grants for 2010.

The Con goes live

The UTAS Conservatorium of Music will get national coverage during a live concert broadcast on ABC Classic FM this Sunday.

Rewarding business collaborations

Applications for the B-HERT (Business/Higher Education Round Table) Awards opened this week.

Human Life Sciences on film

The School of Human Life Science has created a fast-paced DVD to show high school and college students what is on offer at the School’s annual Taster Day.

Searching for rising stars

The first in a series of leadership workshops for the inaugural cohort of UTAS Rising Stars was held last week.

UTAS basketball champs

The UTAS Basketball Team has won their second consecutive title at the Southern University Games.

Ground-breaking research into health and education

Four UTAS Faculty of Education academics, who are investigating how to improve health and physical education programs in Australia, presented their outcomes at an international conference in Brisbane this week.

UTAS soprano wins Churchill Fellowship

UTAS Conservatorium of Music lecturer, Gina Bashford, has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to help smarten the ears of Tasmanian music students.

Half-price tickets to the opera

The Conservatorium of Music is offering UTAS staff a rare chance to see a fully-staged opera for less than half price.

UTAS staff win national teaching awards

Three UTAS staff have won Australian Learning and Teaching Council’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Awards.

Help UTAS save energy

Climate change, environmental degradation, resource depletion and social inequity are the serious issues of our time requiring urgent action. The University of Tasmania has the intellectual capacity in both its staff and students to develop practical solutions to help play its part in addressing these issues. In addition as a micro-community, UTAS has the potential to offer the wider community an integrated model of sustainability in practice.

Big ideas into innovations

The 2009 UTAS Business Competition has attracted 50 entrants who are keen to turn their big idea into a lucrative business and win the $25,000 first prize.

August Graduations

UTAS staff members are being encouraged to celebrate the upcoming graduation of 1317 students in August graduations at Launceston and Hobart.

New student information management system contract signed

A contract to provide a new student information management system for UTAS was signed with software provider TechnologyOne Ltd on 30 June, having received the go-ahead from the university Council in early June.

UTAS Annual Report online

The University of Tasmania Annual Report 2008 is now available online.

Learn how to influence health policy

A teleconference seminar on how to help influence health policy will be accessible to health professionals from all regions of Tasmania.

UTAS Professor takes ARC role

The UTAS Centre for Marine Science’s Professor Richard Coleman has been appointed as the new Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Executive Director for Physical, Mathematical and Information Sciences.

Twenty years services at UTAS

ONE of the key people behind the success of the research arm of UTAS is handing over the reins.

Retirement from UTAS leads to art revival

The Academy Gallery at Inveresk was overflowing last week with 150 guests celebrating the distinguished career of the School of Visual and Performing Arts’ Professor Vincent McGrath.

Devil of a job for UTAS

The University of Tasmania Foundation has taken charge of the official fundraising body to save the Tasmanian Devil from the devastating disease threatening the species.

Professor Mike Solomon � 1928 to 2009

We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Professor Mike Solomon on May 27. Mike played a leading role in the development of Economic Geology, both in Australia and internationally. He had numerous achievements during a highly distinguished career, which include his pioneering work with volcanic-associated deposits, which put the Mount Read Volcanic Arc firmly in the lexicon of geologists around the world.

The Professor and the Tasmanian Devil

UTAS is celebrating its special connection with the family of Hollywood movie star Errol Flynn in an exhibition of historic artefacts linked to the Flynn family.

Pharmacy Week

The Tasmanian Association of Pharmacy Students (TAPS) recently held a stall in a local Hobart shopping centre as part of Pharmacy Week 2009.

HECS scholarships for UTAS staff

Almost 80 UTAS staff members received a HECS scholarship to study undergraduate and postgraduate units last semester through the UTAS Staff Development Initiative.

UTAS supports international students

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew said today that UTAS has zero tolerance to any behaviour that impacts on the safety of international students both on and off campus.

What type of diet is more beneficial to your health?

Is a diet low in simple sugars (Low Glycaemic index-GI) more beneficial than one of moderately high protein for its effects on blood pressure, blood vessel function, and blood glucose and cholesterol levels?

Outstanding UTAS achievers

This year's UTAS Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teaching and Learning recipients have been announced by Professor Daryl Le Grew.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) returning to UK

UTAS Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Jo Laybourn-Parry, will leave UTAS at the end of this year.

Influenza - Important message to all staff

The following information has been provided to UTAS by the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services.

Research puts circumcision in spotlight

A University of Tasmania paper released this week highlights the uncertainty of whether doctors can legally perform circumcision on infant males.

Best ad bid for UTAS open day

We've all watched The Gruen Transfer and other ad shows and thought we could do better, now UTAS is calling for people to ‘unlock their inner ad guru’ as they enter a competition to make a 30-second television advertisement to promote UTAS’ August Open Days.

Campus Review

UTAS has an online subscription to Campus Review.
The top stories in this week�s Campus Review are available online now.

Message from the Vice-Chancellor Professor Daryl Le Grew

I would like to welcome you all to the new Staff Info page and officially launch the new UTAS’ staff news service – News @ UTAS.

New Site Launched

This is one of the first of a number of new sites we have developed as part of the pilot of a new content management system. To find out more go to the Web Services Review site. Tell us what you think.

Online Campus Review

UTAS has subscribed to the APN Education Media publication Campus Review online.

UTAS staff stepping out for healthy work life

Almost 240 UTAS staff from across the State have put their collective hands up this year for the Staff Challenge run by Unigym.

Fish cake for birthday treat

The School of Agricultural Science’s tea room at the UTAS Sandy Bay Campus was the venue for a very happy event recently to celebrate Honorary Professor June Olley’s 85th birthday.

UTAS Council at Cradle Coast

The University Council held its regular meeting at the Cradle Coast campus in April.

UTAS Alumni Honoured

Three outstanding UTAS alumni were recognised for their work following graduation at the recent Foundation Dinner.

New test for devil disease

UTAS researchers believe they may have found a way to test Tasmanian Devils for the infectious devil facial tumour disease before they develop the cancerous tumours.

UTAS staff travel smart

UTAS staff are being encouraged to car pool as a way to cut back on petrol costs, pollution and stress.

Research to Reality

UTAS released the second edition of Research to Reality last week.

Home to Roost at UTAS

The UTAS Faculty of Business in Hobart is home to a pair of hooters.