Griffith Uni poaches star biomedical scientist from UQ

A big coup for Griffith University against its long-time sandstone rival over at the University of Queensland. Griffith has poached leading biomedical expert Professor Paul Clarke from UQ.

Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery

A big coup for Griffith University against it long-time sandstone rival over at the University of Queensland. Griffith has poached leading biomedical expert Professor Paul Clarke from UQ to head its new biomedical research institute.

Clark will head the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, which has been formed following the merging of the Institute for Glycomics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, and Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery. Clarke is currently director of the University of Queensland’s Frazer Institute, which he has led to significant success since 2017.

Prior to that, he held leadership roles in the School of Medicine at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. Clarke’s area of discipline focuses on investigating cancer cell biology and cellular responses to anti-cancer drugs.

Professor Paul Clarke is joining Griffith University

“I am delighted to be joining Griffith to lead the institute and integrate the outstanding biomedical research capabilities at the university,” Clarke says.

“This is an exciting time for biomedicine in South East Queensland and I believe there will be outstanding opportunities to build our connections with healthcare and industry to deliver real improvements in people’s lives.”

In his new role, Clarke will work alongside colleagues on the development of novel therapies, vaccines and the diagnostics for global diseases as well as the translation of world-leading biomedical research to improve human health. Clarke starts work at Griffith on November 4.

Paris notes

Brisbane rich lister Cathie Reid has picked up some handy tips at the Paris Olympics on how to make our own 2032 games even better.

Writing on her blog from the French capital. Reid says Paris has maximised the use of every major landmark in their venue planning, which definitely highlights the broadcast experience but also is a big contributor to the in-person experience.

“While Brisbane obviously doesn’t have the depth and breadth of historical buildings and landmarks that Paris does, being here has illustrated how important the choice of not just the venue itself but its surrounding are in enhancing the experience of both the athletes and the spectators,” Reid says.

Stuart Giles, Cathie Reid, and daughter Sascha in Paris for the Olympics. Photo: Instagram.

Reid says transport to the venues also has been fantastic. ”We’ve travelled everywhere using the public transport network and it’s been seamless. We’ve predominantly used the train network, and have never had to wait more than five minutes for a train at any station regardless of whether we’ve travelled on a direct route or one that has required multiple line changes.”

On the negative side, Reid says there was an overuse of plastic in hospitality “All of the available drinks for purchase were present in bottled form, but when you bought them you had no option other than to have them served in an open-topped plastic cup.”

Christmas in July

Coles is getting into the Christmas spirit a full four and half months out from December even invoking the name of Santa Claus to market their spiced fruit pies at their Ascot store.

Your diarist has noted the major supermarkets are selling Christmas goods earlier and this year it started in late July.

One wag noted that the Christmas spirit has not extended to the price, with budget mince pies which were $2.50 two years ago are now $4.50 at some outlets. HoHoHo.