The U21 Annual Network Meeting & Presidential Symposium for this year, hosted by the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, is about to get underway. We shine a spotlight on their history and work as we prepare to welcome delegates to their historic St Lucia campus for our biggest event of the year.
For more than a century, the University of Queensland (UQ) has created positive change for society by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world.
Ranked among the world's top universities, UQ are proud to be changing the way higher education is imagined and experienced. Students at the university enjoy innovative, flexible learning options, dynamic and diverse partnership opportunities, and an integrated digital and campus learning environment.
More than 55,000 students study across UQ's three campuses in South East Queensland at St Lucia, Herston and Gatton. They include around 20,000 postgraduate and approximately 21,000 international students who contribute to a diverse, supportive and inclusive campus community.
With a strong focus on teaching excellence, UQ commits to providing students with the best opportunities and practical experiences during their study. They are keen to embed transferable knowledge and skills that will prepare their students to exceed expectations throughout their careers.
With 311,000 past graduates, UQ has an engaged network for global alumni spanning more than 170 countries, including more than 17,000 PhDs!
Research highlights at UQ include GARDASIL®, the cervical cancer vaccine; Triple P - Positive Parenting Program; world-leading MRI technology; and developing microalgae as a green-power biofuel.
With more than 100 research centres, UQ has an interdisciplinary community of over 2,000 scientists, social scientists, and engineers, who continue the university's rich tradition of research leadership. They also have a strong track record of commercialising innovation, with major technologies employed across the globe and gross product sales of more than $57 billion.
UQ are one of four Australian members of the U21 network, as well as being part of several other prestigious networks and consortia.
Spotlight on: 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Queensland Government and The University of Queensland (UQ) have each committed $44 million funding to establish a world-leading Paralympic Centre of Excellence at UQ’s St Lucia campus.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government’s support was an example of the legacy that hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is all about.
“A Paralympic Centre of Excellence inspires more para-athletes to compete in 2032 and also provides invaluable research and other opportunities for our community,” the Premier said. “The long-lasting benefits will continue long after the closing ceremonies.”
The Paralympic Centre of Excellence would cater for 20 of the 23 Paralympic sports and would assist para-athletes to participate in and train for sporting competition.
Integrating UQ’s research and education within an international standard facility, the Centre could become a long-term home for para-sport in Australia.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment to establishing a paralympic facility at the St Lucia campus.
“UQ is ranked second in the world for sports science and it will be a privilege to apply our knowledge and expertise to encourage and support para-athletes,” Professor Terry said. “We know that 3 out of 4 Australians with a disability want to participate in sports but only one in 4 do.
“Through the Centre our aim will be to support increased participation, from grassroots to the Paralympics, and achieve the highest medal tally for Australia in Games’ history in 2032.
“Helping to achieve more equitable access to sport for people with a disability and the associated health and lifestyle benefits will be the real legacy from this project.”
The Paralympics Centre will be co-located with the proposed Health and Recreation Precinct at St Lucia, which the University has separately committed to.
Over the coming months, design concepts for the Centre will be further developed in consultation with government and Paralympics Australia and, pending further funding, construction will likely begin within 2 to 3 years.
Once completed in 2027–28, the Centre will provide placement and study opportunities for students in sports sciences subjects.