News and events archives

Joining forces for a smarter planet

Imagine a world where your phone displays the current position and direction of the elevator, where the building can help locate a colleague, and where your fridge can notify your car to collect milk on the way home from work.

This future is a step closer thanks to an ambitious new collaboration between UTS and IBM that seeks to create an intelligent ecosystem that connects people, devices, technologies and the built environment.

UTS makes study real for priority school students

Design, video production, sustainability in science, nursing and robot building are all in a day's work for about 150 year 11 students, including 10 Indigenous students, taking part in the 2012 UTS summer schools.

The UTS Make it Real Summer Schools program is now in its fourth year, running over two weeks during the January school holidays. 

Research excellence the toast of UTS

Leading UTS research in areas from choice modelling to sustainability and improving services for the homeless was recognised in the 2011 Vice Chancellor's Awards for Research Excellence. The awards, presented by Dr Kate Wilson, Executive Director of the Office of Environment and Heritage's Scientific Services Division, were on offer in seven categories, from early career research excellence to the integration of research into teaching and learning.

UTS awarded five-star rating

UTS has been awarded five stars in the new QS Stars system, which recognises excellence in higher education. UTS was independently assessed by QS, the company also behind the World University Rankings.

Offensive language impresses in 3 Minute Thesis final

Law student Elyse Methven triumphed at the UTS 3 Minute Thesis final last week with a presentation on offensive language crimes.  

A different school of thought

A team of pharmacists are using their experience in teaching and research to deliver a more tailored approach to the new UTS Pharmacy curriculum.

UTS research trailblazers shine in awards final

UTS researchers took out top honours at the first ever UniQuest Trailblazer Grand Final held in Brisbane on 15 August. Dr Andrew Hutchinson from the Faculty of Science won the open category, while student Sam Brennan and his team from the School of Medical and Molecular Biology took the first runner up position in the student category.

Three minutes of Science research

Last week, UTS Science hosted its second Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.

We love Dr Seagrass

In his work with other leading researchers on effectiveness of seagrass in storing carbon, Dr Peter Macreadie has been nominated as a finalist for the 2011 Eureka Prizes People's Choice Award.

Beauty and science unite as UTS campus development unfolds

Under new plans that have just been unveiled, a gently undulating building inspired by the organic forms of a tree grove will soon sit at the heart of UTS's city campus. The proposal for a new Thomas Street Building by Sydney practice Durbach Block Jaggers, in association with BVN Architecture, was declared the winner of a design competition recently held by the university as part of its visionary City Campus Master Plan.

Bones of success

Along with a team of UTS researchers, Joshua Chou is working on the development of a new graft material that will help the human body rebuild its own bones.

2011 UTS Science Discovery Day: An awesomely gruesome time

"UTS Science can be described using one word: exothermic! The day invigorated our ideas about science outside of high school and gave us a taste of what is to come. "

Endeavour Award and Hong Kong Fellowship success for former UTS Science PhD student

In late 2010, Dr Andy Choi was successfully awarded an Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship starting in 2011. This prestigious and highly competitive fellowship gives Australian PhD and postdoctoral candidates the chance to gain several months of research experience in Hong Kong and Asia.

Summer science investigates the environment.

UTS School of the Environment hosted 34 students over two weeks in January for a series of Summer Science School workshops run in conjunction with UTS Equity and Diversity “Make it Real” outreach program.

UTS research rates highly in new report

UTS has been benchmarked world standard or above in approximately 80 per cent of its research by the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report.

UTS Science Researchers win Chancellor’s Medal for Exceptional Research

This year the Chancellor’s Medal for Exceptional Research was jointly won by Professor Derek Eamus and Emeritus Professor Geoff Smith, both from the Faculty of Science.

UTS disease institute takes research to new heights

Research into the biology and spread of infectious diseases took a leap forward this week with launch of the University of Technology, Sydney's ithree research institute.

Cross cultural research in the lab

Collaborations between UTS and two Thai Universities have begun with two research students completing their scholarship studies in the Faculty of Science.

A prescription for success: students receive the graduate treatment

UTS Science undergraduate students were spoilt for career choice at the annual Medical and Biomedical Science Forum.

Research with impact

2010 is proving to be a year of firsts. Not only is this issue of U: magazine the first ever research special edition, it complements the inaugural UTS:Research exhibition, Inquiring Minds. Inspiring Solutions which is looking at health and sustainability research.

Micro-climate change

Geoff Smith, aims to enhance the environmental-sustainability of everyday activities through energy efficiency and renewable energy supply.

Fare go

Australian seafood is under pressure. Yet demand is growing. The Sustainable Australian Seafood Assessment Program, hosted by UTS, looks set to provide a solution.

Science fix

Featuring sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, the Ultimo Science Festival is not just for the science geek.

Real world research, real-world impact

UTS researchers are uncovering innovative and practical solutions to combat disease and environmental degradation.

The road less travelled

A career in research can open up a world of opportunities.

Inquiring minds. Inspiring solutions

Climate change, disease, biodiversity; they are the hot button issues of the 21st century. In the new exhibition, Inquiring Minds. Inspiring Solutions, five UTS researchers reveal how their groundbreaking discoveries are helping to better prepare us for t

Further PhD project opportunities - Aquatic Processes Group Collaboration

Suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to commence PhD research projects in 2011 as part of a collaboration within C3 Aquatic Processes Group.

UTS rewards Trailblazing research

A technique to prevent autoimmune related diseases, screening tests to catch drug cheats in sport and technology to improve the quality of water in rainwater tanks are just some of new research ideas recognised at the third annual UTS Trailblazer awards

Deputy Prime Minister gives UTS campus development a $50m injection

The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard announced during a press conference at UTS last week that the University would receive $50 million from the Government's Education Investment Fund.

Marine ecologist Dr Paul Gribben investigates invasion by sea

The detrimental effects caused by invasive plant species to valuable agricultural land and native bushland are well known. Less well appreciated is that a similar pattern of invasion is taking place in our waterways and that the impacts are, potentially, just as significant. Dr Paul Gribben is investigating the effects of invasive seaweeds on estuaries at both national and global scales.

Don't bug the useful critters

When people think of bugs they often think of the dangerous or annoying kind, but a year 10 class from Malek Fahd Islamic School got the other side of the story during a recent visit to the UTS Faculty of Science.

New clinic focuses on youth depression and anxiety

A new youth clinic for 12 to 25 year olds experiencing depression and anxiety-related disorders has been established by the St Leonards-based Health Psychology Unit of UTS Faculty of Science.

Science PhD thesis wins Chancellor's Award

UTS Science PhD graduate, Isabel Jimenez-Denness, has won the Chancellor's Award for the most outstanding research degree thesis submitted in 2009.

Treating mental illness with both dialogue and drugs

A trial is underway in Sydney to gather more evidence about the use of psychotherapy as an adjunct to drug treatment for serious mental illness.

BUiLDing blocks

A new program run by UTS:International is set to increase the international experience of UTS graduates.

Future-proofing UTS

The City Campus transformation has gained momentum with construction in the university’s Broadway precinct now well underway.

Winter Olympian ushers in newest elite athletes

2010 Winter Olympics medallist and UTS graduate Hannah Campbell-Pegg joined UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne last week in formally welcoming the recipients of this year's UTS Sports Scholarships

Furthering our research success

Less than two years ago, UTS made a significant commitment to boost our research capacity and the scale of impact of our research. UTS’s research reputation in both Australia and overseas has risen, supported by our $40 million Research Investment Strategy.

Working class

For many students, rising costs of rent and food will mean looking for more part-time work. Last year the UTS Careers Service saw a 30 per cent drop in the number of part-time jobs advertised on its online database.

UTS takes leap in quest to commercialise research

Question: What links drug resistant worms, street-safe rubbish bins and thought-controlled computers? Answer: The commercialisation strategy at the University of Technology, Sydney.

UTS: Learning and Teaching Awards and Citations 2009

The UTS Learning and Teaching Awards and Citations recognise the importance and excellence of learning and teaching for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. In 2009, Citations were added as another category of recognition in specialised, innovative and positive teaching and learning impacts enhancing UTS student engagement and experience.

Inspiring a new generation of scientists one week at a time

Contributing to cutting-edge research, a sneak peek into undergraduate teaching and high-level laboratory access were granted to one lucky work experience student last week at the UTS Faculty of Science.

Researchers share insights on cyber bullying

Wilful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text featured as the first of this year's UTSpeaks public lectures.

Climate Change Report Card update from CSIRO

In a joint CSIRO/Bureau of Meteorology statement Australia’s two lead climate science agencies have produced a snapshot of the state of the climate to update Australians about how their climate has changed and what it means.

Foundations that build a future

2010 is set to be a watershed year for UTS. It is the year we turn the corner on a number of strategic fronts and start shaping the future we have mapped out for ourselves.

Honours student wins NSW geography prize

An environmental science honours student from the Centre for Environmental Sustainability in the UTS Faculty of Science has become the state-wide winner of the NSW Geographical Society's Jim Rose Geography Award for Best Paper.

Give and let live

Jacqueline Chowis and Jaine Stockler reveal how one person’s generosity can help shape another’s future.

Water damage

Desalinated water has begun flowing into Sydney's drinking supply, but at what price? Stuart White argues antiquated thinking and unsustainable solutions are costing taxpayers and the environment dearly.

Bacteria blown up

The UTS Science building is home to the world’s most advanced microscope. The $1.5 million super-resolution device is helping microbiologists, here and overseas, make unexpected leaps in the fight against infectious disease.

Research voyage a health check for the Tasman Sea

A study of the connections between nutrients and marine algae is at the centre of an international effort to understand the functioning of the Tasman Sea and a first step towards predicting its response to climate change.

Construction starts for UTS City Campus Master Plan

A large-scale expansion and redevelopment of the UTS City Campus has begun, with construction underway on a new student housing tower at the rear of the existing Peter Johnson building in Harris St.

PhD students win grants for coral reef research

UTS doctoral candidates Verena Schrameyer and Sutinee Sinutok have won two of the four research grants announced this week by the Australian Coral Reef Society.

Questions? The answers are at UTS Advisory Day

Sometimes you know where you're headed and sometimes it's just a question of the details, but getting the answers face-to-face is the big bonus of taking a trip to the city for UTS Advisory Day 2010.

Biomedical research grant boosts UTS work on obesity

UTS research aimed at preventing childhood obesity has received a $50,000 grant from the Ramaciotti Foundations, one of Australia’s largest private contributors to biomedical research.

Science Experience gives school students the run of the lab

Science leapt off the textbook page for more than 80 year nine students from across NSW when they took over UTS's Faculty of Science recently for The Science Experience 2009.

Marine research contributes to national climate change report card

UTS Faculty of Science marine research has contributed key elements to the first-ever Australian benchmark of devastating climate change impacts on our precious marine ecosystems.

Sydney shoppers bagged in international survey of plastic use

Sydney supermarket shoppers are using more new plastic bags than those in other major cities, including Melbourne, London and Hong Kong, according to an investigation by Australian and overseas journalism students.

Short courses fight a contaminated Australia

More than 100,000 contaminated sites across Australia are the impetus behind UTS short courses for professionals who must find and deal with our toxic past.

UTS: Support for women workers wins UTS's top man top award

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne has been formally recognised for his ongoing commitment to growing and supporting career opportunities for women working at UTS.

Beating plant pest unites UTS and Thai students

A student-led project to investigate a productive use for an intractable aquatic pest will be the first project in a new collaborative relationship between Thailand’s Kasetsart University and UTS.

UTS takes microscopic leap in scientific and medical research

An unassuming building in inner-city Ultimo has become Australia's mission control for the investigation of inner space with the launch of sophisticated microscopy facilities by the UTS Faculty of Science.

UTS at the forefront of international relations – a Thai-Australian solution to solve a global problem

A unique collaboration between Thailand’s Kasetsart University and UTS promises to forge stronger international links and further the field of global materials science. An MOU signed between both Universities covers all faculties from both Universities, but initial partnerships will be in the area of Science.

Star Science alumni ASPIRE!

Science Alumni, Associate Professor Peter Ralph and Dr. Mark Tatouh, feature in a new exhibition that showcases the amazing and diverse talents of UTS graduates.

Discovery and collaboration on show at UTS Science Research Showcase

A breadth of research from a potential cure for Type 1 diabetes to work that could lead to the successful recycling of worn steel parts in manufacturing and mining was aired at last week's 2009 UTS Science Research Showcase.

Gross but cool: Bass High students get behind the TV facade of forensic science

Before Agent Gibbs, Abby and DiNozzo became household names, forensic science was a subject rarely talked about amongst high school students, let alone considered as a career.

The Kimberley oil spill - oils ain't oils

Associate Professor Peter Ralph finds that the science has got lost in the blaze of disaster coverage of the recent oil spill in the Timor Sea.

Building a truly internationalised university

Universities now operate in a rapidly globalising environment. Developments such as the Bologna Accord have intensified global competition driving the sector toward an environment of increased international student mobility and qualifications transportability.

Solar powered sea slugs aid climate change research

If you've never heard of a solar powered nudibranch then Dr. Ingo Burghardt can enlighten you.

See yourself at UTS Info Day

UTS will be abuzz over the next few weeks as intending 2010 uni students put themselves in the picture about becoming part of the exciting and creative UTS community.

UTS wins gold again

UTS Northern Suburbs athletes Marie Kay and Jackie Bezuidenhout have returned from the World Masters Track and Field Championships in Lahti, Finland, with two world records and six gold medals between them.

A towering success - UTS alumni magazine breaks new ground

More than 105,000 UTS friends and alumni have received the first edition of a glossy new alumni magazine - TOWER, produced with creative input of UTS staff, students and alumni.

The truth is out there

Ever wondered how it’s possible to lay on a bed of nails? How human organs and cells compare in normal and diseased states? How baffling crime scenes are handled in the world of forensics?

Equipped for success

For students in the Faculty of Science, the scope for success has widened following the signing of an MOU with Agilent Technologies, a global provider of analytical instrumentation.

To the point

For three decades, links have emerged between short ‘weekend’ courses in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and adverse outcomes in patients. Sean Walsh explains how a newly-announced national registration scheme will make the practice safer an

UTS a Bansksia Awards finalist

UTS was a finalist in the 2009 Banksia Large Business Sustainability Awards held last week in Melbourne.

UTS rewards research and innovation Trailblazers

Technology to improve the quality of recycled water, a non-fossil fuel based aircraft engine and a product to ease lower back pain were the innovative research ideas that triumphed in the second annual UTS Trailblazer Awards held last week.

Smart light

The Smart Light Festival is the largest international light, music and ideas festival in the southern hemisphere, transforming Sydney into a magnificent living fabric of music and light.

On the brink

In 50 years, our overcrowded planet will struggle to support an extra two billion people. As debate rages over what we can do to ensure a sustainable future, five UTS experts offer a glimpse of what life might be like.

Rowing win is icing on UTS sporting cake

On a crisp Autumn morning, beneath the crystal blue skies of Sydney and on the clear blue waters of Canada Bay, UTS evened the score against arch rivals Sydney Uni in the Annual UTS Rowing Club Challenge.

Rethinking, reshaping, refurbishing

When one asks the question, 'Where does learning happen at UTS?', thoughts turn immediately to lecture theatres and other structured formal spaces such as tutorial rooms and laboratories. While that is true, structured, formal spaces are only part of the story of where learning takes place.

Max of all trades

Max Callaghan is big on the three Rs - reducing, reusing and recycling - and his role as city campus gardener gives him plenty of scope to put these values into action.

Guiding green light

Matthew Phillips and Cuong Ton-That talk to U: about their collaborative research into green lighting solutions and their involvement in the newly-established NanoNetwork - a partnership between the Australian Technology Network and China's International

New light on nanotechnology research

Research to make possible the next generation of high-efficiency solid state-lighting will be the pilot project for UTS scientists taking part in a recently-announced nanotechnology partnership between universities in Australia and China.

Widespread backing for national health sector education reform

National consultation with health providers, government and educators has backed establishing interprofessional teamwork and collaboration as a core component in all medical, nursing and allied health education in Australia.

Own the future

It's not often that senior managers – let alone business academics – revisit Strategy 101. Perhaps, more accurately, it's not often enough.

The small things in life on Future Tense

UTS continues high ranking for learning and teaching

UTS has again been ranked within the highest bands for excellence in the Federal Government

UTS City Campus Masterplan: a vision for our future campus

The plan to change the face of the UTS City campus announced during the university's 20th anniversary celebrations in 2008 is ready to be unveiled to the public, staff and students in an exhibition opening on Monday 19 January.

Respected biochemist the new UTS Dean of Science

A leading Australian biomaterials researcher, at home in both the lab and the boardroom, has taken up the reins of the UTS Faculty of Science.

On Reflection

2008 has been a landmark year for UTS. We celebrated our twentieth year as a university in May and it was great to see staff, students and friends of the university come together during the week-long celebrations. Our twentieth anniversary has given us cause to reflect upon our past and we can be proud of what UTS has achieved in its first 20 years.

World cities and their universities

The World City Universities (WCU) network will hold its inaugural congress in Sydney on 21 May 2008.

UTS sets sights on a greener footprint

Last week saw Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Milbourne launch a major new campus-wide initiative to decrease UTS's environmental footprint and become a leading example to other universities and enterprises.

The golden bullet

A targeted treatment for a nasty parasite may make antibiotics and their many side-effects redundant.

Sydney and UTS magnets for global knowledge seekers

Sydney reaffirmed its status as an international hub for higher learning with a formal reception last week for more than 1000 commencing international students, hosted by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

NSW school students get a taste of a scientific mind

Eighty year ten students from across New South Wales may be a step closer to a career in science after taking part in a three-day Siemens' Science Experience hosted by UTS.

APA Industry PhD Scholarship: Forensic Intelligence

A rewarding and exciting opportunity is available for an outstanding student with research potential to work full time on an Australian Research Council project "The Effectiveness of Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice System".