The Network

Hi everyone

I’ve had a busy but exciting first week at UQ and feel positive about working with the team to oversee the continued evolution of UQ's brand and communications strategy.

I have had the pleasure of already meeting many of you in person, and I am planning to continue to make my way around to meet everybody in the extended marketing and communications team over the coming weeks.

As you may be aware, my role was only recently created, so naturally there has been some curiosity about the scope of my position and what my priorities will be.

When I met with the OMC team on my first day, I reassured everyone that I have not begun the job with any preconceived ideas about what I will and won't do. I stressed that my first priority is to get to know the people – both within OMC and across the broader marketing and communications teams – and to understand how UQ functions as an organisation.

The recent review highlighted that one of our major challenges is to obtain greater alignment across all of the marketing, communications and events activities that occur across the University. To this end, I look forward to meeting the teams in the wider UQ community and getting a sense of how you work with OMC and within your respective faculties, institutes and units. From this starting point, we can determine together how to best collaborate towards a clear, unified future strategy for marketing and communications at UQ.

My other priority is to develop a strategic roadmap for our function to support UQ's new Strategic Plan for 2018–2020. Over the coming months, I will be working with the USMG and other senior executives on this, and I will be looking for your contribution and insights as our future priorities become clearer.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge that many of you are seeking clarification on the direction and structure of the marketing and communications function. This is understandable given the broader changes occurring across the University. While I cannot provide that clarification right now and don't expect to be able to for a number of months, I am committed to working with you openly and transparently, and encourage you to get in touch with me to discuss any ideas or clarify any issues or questions you may have. You can reach me at any time at kelly.robinson@uq.edu.au or 0412 191 267.

I look forward to meeting you in the coming weeks.

Kelly

UQ Small Change is where it all adds up – in the blogosphere, that is. Did you know that the word blog is short for weblog?

Small Change is a portal for the tales we have to tell here at The University of Queensland, from virology experts debating zombies, to students sharing their epic African journeys, to a day in the life of a dog.

It’s a glimpse behind the scenes of UQ and its people, and we invite you to read, write and learn more about the people who contribute to our vibrant community.

A blog post can speak directly to the reader. Post authors can voice opinions and unleash their creativity. It’s a fun way to showcase aspects of UQ.

Small Change posts need a connection to UQ, but there's broad scope. Your blog post could be about your latest research, campus adventures, new appointments, interesting events or student club activities. Suggestions are always welcome.

Check out our blogger ground rules and get your name up in lights. If you have any questions, contact UQ Communications via communications@uq.edu.au or on 334 60561.

The Faculty of Medicine showcased the stories of seven early career researchers (ECRs) in their recent Research Week campaign. The campaign ran from 8–16 September, and aimed to highlight that research is as much about the people as it is about the work that they do.

To achieve this, a series of videos and multimedia feature articles were crafted to show how researchers juggle work with life outside of UQ, and share what inspired them to pursue a career in research.

“Our early career researchers play a major role in our Faculty and for Research Week 2017, we’re sharing the stories of seven young researchers who are making an impact in their chosen field,” says Professor Liz Eakin, Associate Dean (Research).

“I encourage all staff to take a moment this week to celebrate the outstanding work our researchers are doing across our Faculty and I hope you enjoy their stories as much as I did.”

The videos and accompanying Shorthand stories were displayed via the MayneStream content hub and were promoted to targeted audiences on Facebook. This focused, week-long campaign saw impressive results, and the UQ Medicine – Research Facebook page saw:

• Reach increase by 268 per cent (32,894)
• Page likes increase by 165 per cent (82 new likes)
• Post engagement increase by 915 per cent (4790)
• Page views increase by 208 per cent (117)
• Followers increase by 163 percent (84)
• Total video views increase by 606 per cent (28,097).

The Research Week videos received 38,000 views across the week, ensuring the Faculty’s video views are on track to hit one million views for 2017.

View the campaign via the MayneStream content hub, or send any questions or feedback to Kirsten Dodd, Marketing and Communications Manager, Faculty of Medicine.

Islam is the name of the religion. Islamic is the adjective describing anything connected to that religion (think: Islamic teachings, Islamic holidays).

Islamist describes people or groups who think Islam should be incorporated into politics.

That can include radical groups like ISIS that use violence to push their own extreme interpretations of Islam.

This is why saying 'Islamic terrorism' is seen as offensive.

If you have a grammar gripe or fun word-fact for us to feature in the next edition, send it to the OMC Publications team at publications@uq.edu.au.

Jai Morton has joined the Office of Marketing and Communications in the Publications team as Marketing and Communications Officer on a three-month secondment while Katrina Shimmin-Clarke continues as a content producer at ITS until the end of 2017. Jai was previously based in the CBD with UQ Business School Executive Education as Client Relationships Officer – External Relations. Contact Jai at j.morton@uq.edu.au or on 336 52619.

Kimberley Bennett has joined the UQ Business School as the Senior Marketing and Alumni Officer. Kimberley has extensive alumni engagement and marketing experience. She is also currently completing a Master of Business with the UQ Business School, majoring in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership. Contact Kimberley at k.bennett@uq.edu.au or on 334 68070.

New to UQ? Just moved to a new unit, or leaving us soon? Let us know for next edition.