Contact magazine

Contact magazine

You might have even seen eyebrow-raising headlines about just how much plastic we consume, including a popular claim that the average person now consumes a credit card worth of plastic each week. But is there any truth to it?
  • More people believe misinformation about electric vehicles than disagree with it and even EV owners tend to believe the myths.
  • Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this story contains images and names of deceased persons. In 1982, Eddie Koiki Mabo and 4 other plaintiffs initiated a legal case that would change Australia forever.
  • Having déjà vu? The final instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise has landed and we want to know one thing – why are we obsessed with the reboot? UQ’s expert-in-residence and PhD candidate, Talia Parker, unpacks Hollywood’s movie sequel mania and what makes a sequel great.
  • In a world where nearly every click leaves a trace, is your online presence a liability or an asset? Contact talked to UQ Cyber expert Professor Ryan Ko to find out whether we should be cleaning up our act to protect future job prospects and safeguard ourselves from the millions of daily hacking incidents.
  • We spoke to UQ experts Professor Jolanda Jetten, Head of UQ’s School of Psychology and Professor Alina Morawska, Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre to unpack how online radicalisation works, how to identify potential warning signs and how to approach someone you care about if you think they need help.
  • In September 2024, Queensland’s Parliament passed landmark legislation that will soon give donor-conceived people – individuals conceived with a donated egg or sperm, usually through a fertility clinic – the right to access identifying information about their donor parents. It’s a change that donor-conceived people and their allies have long advocated for.
  • From Olympians to business leaders and entrepreneurs, we already have some extraordinary alumni committed to joining the program as mentors.
  • With new campaign advertisements flooding social media feeds and traditional media channels, it can be hard for voters to understand where they sit on contentious topics. Contact asked UQ experts Professor Brenda Gannon, Dr David Morrison, Professor Shaun Bond and Professor John Quiggin to share their take on some key 2025 election issues.
  • At just 21 years of age she launched Be Seen Socials, and 5 years on her social media agency’s success has earned her recognition as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Asia. Contact spoke to her about taking the leap into owning her own business, the power of manifesting your goals and how a personal brand could elevate your career.

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  • After almost a decade at the helm, this edition of marks the last for long-time 'Contact' editor Michael Jones. As he signs off on the "end of an era", Michael looks back on his 10 favourite stories published during his time as editor.
  • October is just around the corner and the UQ jacarandas are about to be in full bloom. While jacaranda season and exams go hand-in-hand, it's the perfect time of year to a pay a visit to campus – perhaps for a picnic.
  • UQ has commemorated the 80th anniversary of the US Army's General Hospital's withdrawal from Gatton at a special event on 29 August, when more than 120 attendees reflecting on the impact to the community and acknowledged the service of the medical staff who saved so many lives.
  • Drama students are taking the stage at the revitalised Avalon Theatre, more than a century after construction of the original building in St Lucia. Following an 18-month refurbishment, the iconic theatre has reopened as a unique teaching and performance space for UQ. 
  • The University of Queensland community is remembering the achievements of activist, academic and author, Adjunct Associate Professor Merle Thornton AM, who died on Friday 16 August, aged 93.
  • UQ exercise physiologist and sport scientist Associate Professor Emma Beckman will head to Paris with Paralympics Australia as part of a small group of experts doing on-the-ground sport intelligence data-gathering.
  • The first Australian Indigenous woman to complete a university degree, Dr Margaret Valadian AO MBE, has been posthumously honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from UQ. The University will also record the late Dr Valadian’s remarkable contribution with a carving in UQ’s Great Court.
  • UQ has secured third place overall at the 2024 UniSport Indigenous Nationals. Watch the video and view all the images.
  • UQ is set to help Queensland welcome the world in 2032 with the launching of the Office of 2032 Games Engagement. Influential sporting, government and industry leaders attended the event, where a special panel discussed the road to 2032, UQ’s commitment to supporting the delivery of a successful Games and the lasting legacy that large sporting events leave behind.

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About Contact magazine

Contact magazine is your pocket guide to navigating our changing world. Landing in email inboxes monthly, with added special editions covering timely topics, our features keep you informed and entertained. Contact brings together the best insights from UQ’s alumni, researchers and community, connecting our global network of ChangeMakers through storytelling.