Conduct of Research, Reproducibility & Open Research Practices
WINNER: NeuroDesk management
The NeuroDesk management team has created a collaborative, open-source platform for transparent neuroimaging data analysis. This initiative lowers barriers for researchers, offering access to open data, software, and educational resources, thus promoting transparency and collaboration within the research community. The project has gained widespread adoption with over 1000 users from 47 countries in the past year. NeuroDesk enhances reproducibility by providing standardised analysis environments and fosters innovation through software containers, facilitating access to neuroimaging software libraries across various systems. Their commitment to excellence, documentation, and community engagement represents a paradigm shift in neuroimaging research. NeuroDesk's accessibility and support extend to UQ, nationally and internationally, making it a vital resource for researchers and educators. This team's exceptional leadership and vision are recognised across scientific communities, demonstrating the potential to expand their impact into other domains beyond neuroimaging.
Nominees:
Professor Sara Dolnicar
Associate Professor Remi Ayoko
Enhancement of Local Environment & Well-being of Researchers
WINNER: Dr Sara Gollschewski, UQ Centre for Clinical Research (collected by Anne Louise Bulloch, Faculty of Medicine)
Dr. Sara Gollschewski has shown exceptional dedication and leadership in fostering a positive research culture at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) and throughout the Faculty of Medicine. As the Research Development Manager, she goes above and beyond to enhance the well-being of researchers, particularly early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs), by implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance and professional growth. Sara actively participates in committees, including those related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and advocates for inclusive practices. Her commitment to mental health and well-being is commendable, as she provides unwavering support, creates a safe and open environment for discussions, and offers guidance and mentorship to navigate the competitive research landscape. Sara's holistic approach extends beyond research grant rounds, encompassing skill development, confidence-building, and philanthropic funding strategies for EMCRs. She champions diversity through initiatives like the UQ ALLY network and fosters both professional and social connections within the research community.
Nominees:
Dr Danila Elango
Professor Kate Schroder
Supporting Career Development for Researchers (EMCR)
WINNER: Professor Jason Stokes, School of Chemical Engineering (Individual)
Professor Jason Stokes has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of researchers, particularly Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs). As the Director of Research in Chemical Engineering, he has exhibited a clear vision for EMCR support by empowering them to have a voice and drive their learning, leadership, and networking opportunities. He played a pivotal role in establishing the EAIT EMCR Committee, which has significantly enhanced collegiality, peer-to-peer mentoring, and the recognition of emerging leaders. Jason has also championed the adoption of the Vitae Research Development Framework (RDF), hosting successful workshops and raising awareness about its benefits. His dedication extends to skills development, as evidenced by his well-received grant writing workshops and additional materials to enhance researchers' abilities. Moreover, Jason's industry expertise has led to successful collaborations and experiential learning opportunities for researchers, ensuring industry readiness and promoting a culture of supervision and leadership. His efforts have been recognised with a Special Commendation for the 2020 ACGR Award for Excellence in Promoting Industry Engagement in Graduate Research.
WINNER: ScienceLink management (Team)
The ScienceLink Management team has displayed outstanding dedication to advancing the career development and professional growth of early to mid-career researchers (EMCR) at UQ. Recognising the need for increased mentoring, ScienceLink created the first online mentoring program tailored specifically to academic staff, aligning with UQ's mentoring policy and the EMCR community's needs. This program combines informal mentoring with comprehensive training, guides, and an online platform that facilitates interactions between EMCRs and senior academics. ScienceLink's initiatives cover critical areas such as career goal setting, networking, leadership development, and time management, enriching the professional lives of EMCRs. Moreover, the team partnered with the Institute for Strategic Leadership to develop mentor training packages, fostering a community of practice among senior academics. With a strong foundation in peer-to-peer mentoring systems, ScienceLink has successfully scaled mentoring across the Faculty of Science, benefiting over 650 UQ academics and creating opportunities for external mentors. Their creativity and commitment make ScienceLink an invaluable addition to UQ's academic mentoring landscape, serving as a practical model with the potential for wider adoption.
Nominees:
Associate Professor Dorina Pojani
Professor Matthew Hornsey
Professor Sara Dolnicar
Dr Sara Gollschewski
The Parsell Social Science Research Group*
Law ECA Development Program*
NHMRC Centre of Excellence: Achieving the Tobacco Endgame*
Centre for Children’s Health Research EMCR Committee*
Centre for Health Services Research RDMs*
EMCR@UQ Committee*
Public Engagement & Community-led Research (including Citizen Science)
WINNER: Associate Professor Sean Tweedy, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
Associate Professor Sean Tweedy continues to exhibit an exceptional commitment to public engagement and community-led research. He has made notable strides in involving and empowering communities, citizen scientists, and non-experts in research initiatives, fostering collaborations that drive empirical progress and tackle real-world challenges. Sean's dedication to meaningful public engagement and research co-creation exemplifies inclusivity and empowerment, allowing individuals and communities to actively contribute to research addressing critical societal issues. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also demonstrates a profound commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the wider community.
Nominees:
Consumer and Community-Involvement*
Cross-Cultural Well-being*
Brain Builders: Neuroscience into neighbourhoods*
Leadership in Research Support & Management
WINNER: Professor John Macarthur, School of Architecture, Design & Planning (Individual)
Professor John Macarthur has had a distinguished career marked by exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing architectural scholarship at UQ. His contributions to architectural history and research have garnered international recognition, establishing him as a preeminent scholar in the field. He has been an influential educator, imparting a passion for architectural history and critical thinking to generations of students. Professor Macarthur's mentoring prowess shines through his dedication to advising higher-degree research students. Moreover, he has left an indelible mark on the architectural research community through his founding and nurturing of the ATCH research group, which has served as a model for similar groups at other institutions, fostering international collaborations and propelling the careers of emerging scholars. Additionally, his leadership as a former Head of School and Research Director has significantly improved the research landscape within the School of Architecture, marked by strategic thinking, institutional insight, and unwavering advocacy for research, especially in supporting young academics, including women, on their paths to leadership roles.
WINNER: HaBS Research Administration Community of Practice (Team)
The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences (HaBS) Research Administration Community of Practice (CoP) stands as a beacon of exemplary leadership in research support and management. Comprising dedicated members from the HaBS Faculty, schools, and centres, this community fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and best research management practices are paramount. Their monthly meetings cover a range of topics that enhance research support, performance, and culture, including embedding UQ values, budgeting, grant application training, and more. Over the past two years, the CoP has led to transformative innovations benefiting the HaBS research community and beyond. Notable achievements include supporting a strategic shift in funding submissions to MRFF, resulting in a remarkable increase in successful applications. They have also designed processes complementing UQ Research Office efforts, initiated a research management onboarding program for newly appointed researchers, and facilitated crucial conversations regarding clinical trial terminology across UQ. The HaBS CoP is instrumental in developing well-rounded research administrators and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, bridging connections within HaBS and beyond.
Nominees:
Ms Senel Idrisoglu
Professor Matthew Hornsey
Dr Jaya Seneviratne
Professor Sara Dolnicar
Dr Sara Gollschewski
Associate Professor Judith Greer
Associate Professor Kevin Jack
Genome Innovation Hub*
Protein Expression Facility*
Service Innovation Alliance Research Hub*
Journal Search Tool Development*
MyResearch Projects*
School of Public Health Research Support*
*Team
See all the photos from the 2023 Research Culture Awards here.
