Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius celebrating the All Staff Brunch with excited staff
All Staff Brunch
Despite the poor weather, 900 staff attended the All Staff Brunch at the Campus Common which turned out to be a great housewarming event for the newly created space.
The Executive group helped to serve: 350 coconuts, 600 danishes, 900 eggs, 100kg of potatoes and 67 kg of bacon.
The weather didn’t dampen the staff spirit, nor did it turn them away. The Vice-Chancellor helmed the Egg Bacon Hash Paella for the good part of two hours, greeting a hungry and very happy crowd.
Professor Dowton wished everyone a safe break and encouraged a well-deserved rest, thanking everyone for their hard work and appreciated the work of the staff across a very busy year.
The event, hosted by Human Resources as a staff engagement initiative was extremely well received.
The Academic Staff Awards Gala Dinner
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Kevin Jameson and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius said: “The fundamental interdependence of learning and teaching and research cannot be overstated. Research, and research-enriched learning and teaching are what makes a university. The Academic Staff Awards Gala Dinner, combining the award winners for the Vice-Chancellor’s Learning and Teaching Awards and the Research Excellence Awards along with some esteemed internal and external guests, was a demonstration of Macquarie’s commitment to a culture of transformative learning in a research-enriched environment.
“As leaders of Learning and Teaching and Research at Macquarie, we are committed to fostering stronger ties between our classrooms and our world-leading research. We know that collaboration between our staff involved in the delivery of learning and teaching excellence and research results in better learning outcomes for our students. We also know that the strong learning outcomes benefit the outcomes of our esteemed researchers.
“Research plays a significant role in Macquarie’s brand positioning and the development of its reputation. Producing world-leading research plays an important factor in independent international university rankings and it is often these rankings that underpin a university’s attractiveness to both domestic and international student markets. Once a student commences their study at Macquarie, the frontline educators reinforce Macquarie tradition of excellence by translating research outcomes into course curriculum.
“The Gala dinner was a celebration of the wonderful achievements of our colleagues in research and learning and teaching and we look forward to many more occasions to celebrate.”
Dept of Molecular Sciences Launch
The Department of Molecular Sciences held a Launch Event on Thursday 7 December to celebrate their new identity. Formerly known as the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, the new name better reflects the Department’s research and teaching activities which span the molecular sciences and interfaces with biology, biochemistry, chemistry, materials and physics. Attending the event were Emeritus Professor Brian Orr (Pictured) unveiling the new department name, joined by over 100 Molecular Sciences staff members and HDR students. Everyone who attended enjoyed competitions and games with a “Molecular” theme.
Russia’s Ambassador to Australia visits for Russia-Australia exhibition opening
Last month Russia’s Ambassador to Australia, Gregory Logvinov (pictured with Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Martina Mollering), visited the University for the launch of the Russia-Australia: History and Challenges exhibition at Macquarie University’s Library.
The exhibition marks 75 years of formal diplomacy between Australia and Russia, with exhibited items being provided by the Russian Embassy, including rarely displayed copies of illustrations from the State Russian Museum detailing the Russian Antarctic Expedition 1819–21.
Other attendees at the launch included Director of the New South Wales State Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Rhonda Piggott, Member for The Entrance David Mehan MP, an array of other international dignitaries, researchers and students from Macquarie University and members of the press. The event was jointly organised by the Russian Embassy, Macquarie University Museum and Russian Studies (Department of International Studies: Languages and Cultures) with the support of Macquarie University Library.
Dave Lavery Lecture
On 7 December, the Faculty of Science and Engineering proudly presented a public lecture from visiting NASA scientist Dave Lavery, Program Director for Solar System Exploration. Over 300 people attended the event where Dave spoke of his work in developing the Mars Rover and NASA’s upcoming projects exploring the outer reaches of our solar system.
Macquarie International hosts International Mobility Forum
The Macquarie University-hosted China–Australia International Mobility Forum saw over 70 delegates from 37 Chinese universities, as well as dignitaries from the NSW Government, the Consulate-General of China, Study NSW, and several other NSW universities, gather to discuss topical issues around student mobility, including best practice, driving research partnerships, and employability. Organised by Macquarie International, guest speakers included the Hon. Jonathon O’Dea, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Treasurer, His Excellency Mr Gu Xiaojie, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China and Madame Shen Xuesong, Deputy Secretary-General, CEAIE. The forum included presentations from the CEAIE delegation, Macquarie staff, other NSW universities, the China Australia Millennial Project (CAMP) and recently returned exchange students.
“The forum was an excellent opportunity for attendees to discuss key topics for both countries, such as government support for mobility and utilising student exchange to develop stronger research links,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Nicole Brigg.
The Library turns 50
The Library celebrated 50 years of service to the University on Monday 27 November with over 150 current and former staff coming together to catch up and reminisce.
A highlight was seeing the last five University Librarians together – a group who among them has led the Library for the previous 30 years.
Tours of the old library building C7A were run with many former staff fascinated to see how the space has been transformed for student use.
University Chaplain’s Annual Meeting
In November, the University Chaplains held an annual meeting with Pro Vice-Chancellor, Leigh Wood and the Director Campus Wellbeing, Darren Peters.
The University Chaplains represent a variety of religious denominations and provide student support through a volunteer capacity.
Coordinating Chaplain, Gareth Watkins was farewelled and thanked for over two years of volunteer service. Jeremy Ambrose and Dan Anderson were elected as joint Coordinating Chaplains for 2018.
The Macquarie University chaplaincy service provides religious and spiritual resources:
- Open: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.
- Location: Level 4, C5C.
- Phone: (02) 9850 7645
Students of all faiths are welcome, respected and supported in this space.
Biodiversity Node BHERT win
Four MQ Biology staff and two NSW Office of Environment and Heritage staff attended an awards ceremony at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne last month recognising national leaders in collaboration.
The Biodiversity Node of the NSW Adaptation Research Hub, hosted by Macquarie University, won the 2017 BHERT Award for Outstanding Collaboration for National (non-economic) Benefit. Partnerships of long-standing, deep collaborations that address core national priorities and demonstrate real-world impact were recognised at the event. The collaborative work of the Biodiversity Node has placed NSW in a better position to manage and protect its biodiversity in a changing climate.
Robotics FIRST
The FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge have been run and won at Macquarie over the last two weekends. Over 1200 people, including competitors, staff and volunteers were on campus each weekend for the events. Competitors aged between nine and 18, from across Australia went head to head in the Hydro Dynamics and Relic Recovery games.
The FIRST Robotics program, based at Macquarie, provides a training ground for young people to explore their creativity and their team skills. As well as gaining the technical know-how to build advanced robots, the participants learn to develop business plans and how to secure sponsorship.
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