Great choice, says Sir Llew

University of Queensland Chancellor, Sir Llew Edwards, has warmly congratulated the UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay, AC, for becoming a "Queensland Great".

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie today (June 1, 2007) announced Professor Hay as one of six new "Queensland Greats", whose lifetime achievements have played a significant role in the history and development of the "Smart State".

"As Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland since 1996, Professor Hay has strengthened our state's reputation for providing world-class education and undertaking world-class research," Mr Beattie said.

Sir Llew said it the award was "utterly fitting".

"John is a driving force behind Queensland's rising reputation as a location for internationally-significant research and learning. With John as Vice-Chancellor for the past 12 years, UQ has established a nationally unprecedented series of research institutes and centres with funding in excess of $700 million, which are making priceless contributions towards a critical mass of researchers in south-east Queensland.

"His foresight is giving high-achieving researchers and educators added incentives to remain in Queensland, and is attracting exemplary people - including expatriate Australians - from overseas.

"Within the UQ community, he encourages and rewards outstanding performance, and admires and accommodates people with original ideas and talents.

"Internationally and nationally, he has established and strengthened networks regarding research, teaching and learning, education and industry, all of which advance Queensland," Sir Llew said.

Professor Hay said he would treasure the award, particularly as he had no birthright as a Queensland Great.

"My wife Barbara and I were born in Western Australia; we have lived and worked in the UK and elsewhere in Australia, and have travelled widely. We are blessed with many choices after I retire from UQ at year's end, but we so thoroughly enjoy this region and its people that Brisbane will remain our home," Professor Hay said.

MEDIA: Fiona Kennedy 07 3365 1088, 0413 380 012, fiona.kennedy@uq.edu.au