In 2019 the University introduced the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) portfolio to lead the achievement of priorities and strategies contained within the Global Partnerships and Engagement pillar of UWA 2030. As an authoritative global leader in education, and cross-disciplinary and translatable research, UWA continues to forge and nurture strong, deep partnerships that reinforce our position at the fulcrum of the Indian Ocean Rim
In June 2019 UWA’s Vice-Chancellor became the Chair of the Matariki Network of Universities, an international group of seven research-led, like-minded universities. UWA hosted two Matariki research-themed events during the first week of December 2019: the Matariki Humanities Colloquium focused on Digital Humanities, and the Matariki Oceans and the Blue Economy Research Theme Workshop II, focused on ‘Energy and the Oceans’.
UWA welcomed over 300 students from our key articulation partnerships, particularly in China, while exciting new articulation and dual degree opportunities have been established with US partner, the University of Denver.
The Centre for English Language Teaching entered the third successful year of offshore delivery at Kansai Gaidai University, and continued to expand its study tour operations with a record 54 special programs in 2019. Continuing the Centre’s success, its Director of Studies, Mrs Anne-marie Wright, was awarded the English Australia Award for Academic Leadership, recognising her long and distinguished contribution to English language learning, not only at UWA, but across the sector nationally.
With more than 100 new formal industry engagements, the Innovation and Industry Engagement team facilitated over $7 million worth of projects with a variety of industry sectors. The projects and themes identified through these new engagements have informed industry driven focus areas to be targeted over the coming year.
The IQX co-working innovation space on Broadway has seen a 30 per cent increase in its community interactions in 2019, with more than 20,000 people coming through its doors. The co-working model continues to grow, with over 15,000 visits, 46 jobs created and $2 million invested in member companies. This year also saw the successful launch of IQ Academy. More than 200 students took part in UWA’s new pre-accelerator co-curricular program that assists participants to develop enterprise and innovation skills.
The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery enjoyed record-breaking attendances for its Nikulinsky Naturally and Philip Noakes: Sculptural Silver exhibitions. The Berndt Museum presented Carrolup Revisited and Out of the Boxes and Into the Desert in the Janet Holmes à Court Gallery and the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art showcased its collection in a year-long project, The Artist and Her Work.
There was great acclaim for the Perth Festival’s ‘Made in WA’ initiative to commission and present new Western Australian works alongside ground-breaking works from overseas and around Australia. An impressive 202,328 people enjoyed the return of Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak to Kings Park. The full 2019 Festival program also included the Australian premiere of The Magic Flute from Barrie Kosky’s Komische Oper Berlin, the Vietnamese circus Lang Toi: My Village, and the complete dramatisation of The Great Gatsby, Gatz, at the Octagon Theatre.
Once again the Cultural Precinct contributed to the vibrant life on campus through its WINTERarts and SPRINGarts programs. The University’s ongoing access program included a full program of events for visitors with disabilities, such as tours for sight-impaired visitors, Auslan interpretations, Alzheimer’s tours and the Inclusive Arts Week. UWA Publishing published 39 books this year. A highlight included the shortlisting of Anna Haebich’s Dancing in Shadows—Histories of Nyungar Performance for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for History.
Alumni Relations continued to celebrate and profile UWA graduates with Plastic, plastic everywhere! – a panel discussion held in Singapore, focused on changing attitudes and behaviour to address the problem of plastic pollution – attracting close to 150 UWA graduates and friends. Meanwhile, the You, me and the big blue sea research dinner brought together an audience of almost 70, as part of UWA Albany’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
The inaugural CareerConnect conference was held in December. With a focus on career pathways for young alumni, it was delivered largely ‘by alumni, for alumni’ in a mentoring format. Many graduates also participated in the annual Convocation Day and associated ceremonial tree planting on the James Oval.
Over $3 million in philanthropic funding was secured from various foundations to support the WA National Imaging Facility for the creation of the Research Imaging Centre WA, including the provision and installation of MRI and PET-CT equipment for human imaging and upgrades to the existing preclinical facilities and appropriate academic and support staff. This is a substantial investment in WA by both federal and state governments, our research consortium partners and philanthropic foundations.
Since the launch of the Young Lives Matter Foundation in 2018, UWA has already distributed a total of $100,000 to world-class research into suicide prevention through the inaugural Young Lives Matter Foundation Grants.
Additionally, the University forged new partnerships through the Community Partnerships Program and supported more than 50 local community initiatives. We look forward to continued success and wide community engagement in 2020.
Tayyeb Shah
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Global Partnerships)