Empowering the future: Highlights from the 2024 Centre wide retreat
15 – 16 February 2024, Marcoola
We are thrilled to share the exciting highlights from our 2024 Centre Wide Retreat, held on February 15th and 16th in the picturesque setting of Marcoola. This annual event was a dynamic opportunity for our chief investigators, students, and staff to come together, refine their skills, and shape the future direction of the ARC Training Centre for Joint Biomechanics.
Day 1: Igniting Innovation and Strategic Vision
The retreat kicked off with an inspiring series of updates from our Centre’s leadership. Director Prof. Yuantong Gu, along with Program Leads Prof. Peter Pivonka, A/Prof. Saulo Martelli, Prof. Lisbeth Grondahl, and Prof. Graham Kerr, delivered compelling presentations that highlighted the impressive progress and achievements within the Centre. Their insights not only showcased the fantastic work being done but also set the stage for the exciting developments ahead.
We were then honoured to host Prof. Shaun Gregory, Director of the Centre for Biomedical Technologies at QUT. Prof. Gregory led a session on developing impact pathways for our Centre, revealing strategic approaches that align with our ambitious goals and future aspirations. His expertise provided our team with a clear roadmap for maximizing our impact and achieving our vision.
Day 2: Cultivating Talent and fostering collaboration
The second day of the retreat was filled with productive discussions and collaborative sessions. Prof. Yuantong Gu provided essential training for our Early Career Researchers (ECRs), focusing on fellowships and grant applications. This session was crucial in equipping our emerging researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their academic careers.
Meanwhile, Centre Manager Rosalee Armitage engaged with our PhD students to brainstorm ideas for developing their skillsets and enhancing their overall experience. The students participated in a creative exercise where they envisioned being “Director for a day” and pitched their innovative ideas to the team. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives were truly inspiring.
Deputy Director Prof. Peter Pivonka facilitated discussions among our Chief and Partner Investigators (CIs and PIs) to explore inter-program collaboration and set ambitious goals for their programs. These discussions laid the groundwork for future collaborations and strategic planning, promising exciting developments for our Centre.
Overall, the 2024 Retreat was a tremendous success, brimming with valuable insights, innovative ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. We are excited to transform these discussions into actionable strategies that will drive the future of our Centre and continue to advance the field of joint biomechanics.
Stay tuned for more updates as we implement these plans and continue to shape the future of our Centre!
