Annual Report tells UQ success story

Record student numbers, high levels of research funding, streamlined management systems and a vigorous building program headlined a long list of successes for the University of Queensland in 2001, according to its newly-released Annual Report.

The 2001 Report also notes increases for award completions, staff numbers, operating revenue, net assets, and property, plant and equipment.

The University topped the nation`s 39 universities for industry-related research income and placed a close second for total research income. It also launched about a dozen spin-off and start-up companies to commercialise technologies developed by researchers.

Research outcomes ranged from a way to reduce drag on air and space craft to discovery of an "unzipper" gene likely to help reverse colorectal cancer, which kills one in 30 Australians.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay congratulated staff, students, graduates and other University supporters for contributing to a wide range of positive outcomes.

"These show our propensity to thrive in an environment where universities are depending more and more on private rather than public funding," he said.

"In 2001 we derived 56 percent of our total income from sources outside the Commonwealth Operating Grant. This exceeded the 55 percent goal set for 2004 in our Strategic Plan, and puts us well on the way to achieving the 60 percent set for 2006."

Professor Hay said significant organisational change and streamlined management systems (including a new, high-tech student administration system and a new degree structure) promised similar strategic gains.

Other highlights for the year included:

• international enrolments 26.8 percent up on previous year pages 18-19;

• largest PhD enrolment in Australia pages 19, 34;

• restructures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness pp 2, 21, 45-46;

• multi-million-dollar returns on consultancy services and commercialisation of research pages 31-32;

• UQ Ipswich Community Service and Research Centre: more than $2 million raised over three years for reinvestment into the community pages 38, 40;

• record annual fundraising result of more than $1 million pages 43, 48;

• largest lecture theatre refurbishment program to date, heralding a multi-million-dollar building initiative over the next five years page 44; and

• OH&S: lowest number of lost-time injuries for past three years page 46.

For a copy of the 2001 Annual Report, or more information, contact Moya Pennell at UQ Communications (telephone 3365 2846 or 3365 3367).