The QASP Team was nominated for and received a commendation Award for Excellence in Service 2020. We are very excited about receiving this commendation, it is humbling to be recognised for all the hard work that we put into looking after the animals for each trial that is conducted during the course of the year.
The Awards celebrate our achievements over the past year, which is even more important to acknowledge in such unprecedented times. Each year the Awards Selection Committee are amazed by the outstanding contributions, innovative work and exemplary leadership demonstrated at UQ.
This year has seen a record number of nominations submitted, with 222 nominations outlined below, including 110 for the 'Response to COVID-19' category. Congratulations to all of the nominees and thank you to the nominators for taking the time to complete a submission.
Queensland Animal Science Precinct
QASP Senior Manager Milou Dekkers and Professor Deborah Terry AO
Nomination 1:
Queensland Animal Science Precinct (QASP), Centre for Advanced Animal Science (CAAS), was established in 2008 with their operations, including processes and staff development, increasing exponentially in the last 12 years. The service provided by QASP has helped UQ researchers to undertake trials in a world class facility which has led to patents, new products and treatments for animal disease and nutrition management. Cattle require daily monitoring and quick responses to ensure animal welfare conditions are adhered to. QASP staff are entrusted to undertake this monitoring and without this support, animal trials would be under questionable conditions. Particularly of note, is the vast improvements under the appointed manager of QASP, Milou Dekkers. Her organisation skills have built a strong and service committed team. They are the quiet voice and it is time they are recognised for the service they provide.
Nomination 2:
QASP is a unique animal research facility located on the Gatton campus.The QASP team provide exceptional service to a broad range of researchers. The flexible design of the facilities allows for the conduct of a wide variety of animal trials. The staff have exceptional animal handling and husbandry skills, exhibit high levels of creativity, innovation, problem solving and a service culture focussed on collaborating with researchers to achieve their desired outcomes. The team operate the facility 24/7, 365 days of the year and are contactable day and night by researchers if issues arise. QASP operates in an environment in which compliance with a myriad of legislation: safety, animal welfare and ethics, quarantine, biosafety and biosecurity, is critical to the operation and outcomes. QASP has an exemplary record in this area. The QASP team go beyond expectations in service provision, having successfully collaborated with 100 researchers since 2008 when the facility opened.
- Ms Samantha Armour
- Ms Chelsea Baker
- Ms Sheree Boisen
- Mr Scott Cullen
- Ms Milou Dekkers
- Ms Stacey Groves
- Mr Mitchell Harris
- Dr Danielle Schultz
