Griffith's science teaching staff members are actively involved in research and industry, ensuring they stay at the forefront of knowledge.
Griffith Professor Howard Wiseman is recognised as a world authority on quantum control. Professor Howard Wiseman, an Australian Research Council Federation Fellow, heads Griffith's quantum program which contributes vital theoretical research including how to measure nanoscale quantum devices and discovering better ways to prepare quantum data for photonic quantum computing. Researchers predict a quantum computer will complete calculations many times faster than conventional computers and allow absolutely secure long-distance communications over fibre optics.
Griffith Professor Mark von Itzstein was recently awarded the Adrien Albert Award by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute in recognition of Professor von Itzstein's significant contribution to medicinal chemistry through the design and development of Relenza, the first influenza drug to be developed in Australia. The Royal Chemical Institute's Biomolecular Division presented the award at the Connect 200505 conference.
Professor von Itzstein heads Griffith's multi-million dollar Institute for Glycomics which is developing carbohydrate-based treatment to fight a range of diseases, including influenza, tuberculosis and meningococcal disease.
Associate Professor Paul Bates, Head of the School of Aviation, was appointed to the Education Committee of the International Air Cargo Association. The Association supports the 'progressive liberalisation of the global market and easier, enhanced trade between developing and developed economies'. The Education Committee takes specific responsibility for developing and disseminating industry-specific knowledge by focussing on three key areas - academic scholarship, academic enrichment and endowments, and enhancement of member resources.
Dr Christine Wells received an Australian Society for Medical Research Queensland Premier's Award for her work on the yeast infection known as Candida or thrush.
Associate Professor Richard John has been seconded to the Australian Academy of Science to lead the Academy's new 'Science By Doing' initiative designed to engage early high-school students nationwide in science education. A Smithsonian Fellow, Richard was selected following the success of the award-winning 'Science on the GO!' schools outreach program he founded at Griffith, as well as his role in Education Queensland's Southern Science Centre fro Innovation and Professional Practice, a program designed to up-skill teachers in Southern Queensland by connecting them with university staff, resources and professional development activities.