The University of Queensland

An antiviral surface coating technology developed by The University of Queensland could provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and influenza. The coating has already proven effective in killing the virus that causes COVID-19, showing promise as a barrier against transmission on surfaces and face masks.

UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology researcher Professor Michael Monteiro said the water-based coating deployed worm-like structures that attack the virus.

''When surgical masks were sprayed with these ‘nanoworms', it resulted in complete inactivation of the Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 and influenza A,'' Professor Monteiro said.

This innovation was made possible through collaboration with Boeing, with testing at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity allowing the joint research project to succeed.

''The chemistry involved is versatile, so the coating can be readily redesigned to target emerging viruses and aid in controlling future pandemics.''

''Antiviral coatings applied on mask surfaces could reduce infection and provide long-lasting control measures to eliminate both surface and aerosolised transmission,'' he said.

''We know that COVID-19 remains infectious for many hours or days on some surfaces, and provides a direct route to infection.

''Therefore, there is greater emphasis on eliminating both surface and airborne transmission to complement vaccination of the population to stop the current pandemic.''

Part of the research's success lies in the fact that the coating developed is water-based, aligned with existing manufacturing techniques in the industry, and is friendly to the environment. It will complement masks as part of ongoing measures to protect society against infections like COVID-19.

The university's teachers are the most highly awarded in Australia. UQ has won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university, a testament to the innovative and professional teaching approach taken by the institution. Recognised for transforming the way students learn at university, its teachers inspire and guide students with the latest knowledge and ideas underpinned by the wealth of experience possessed by faculty.

Due to this successful approach to teaching, students completing their studies at UQ will feel assured that they'll graduate with possession of a skillset suited to success in a modern, competitive graduate market. The excellent academic skills and subject knowledge that they'll gain, along with key attributes like confidence and diligence, will allow them to go onto shape and develop their academic area for the improvement of society.

The university is home to six faculties, eight internationally recognised multidisciplinary research institutes along with other research and educational sites across Queensland. These include marine research stations at Heron and North Stradbroke (Minjerribah) Islands, a mineral research centre, seismograph station, veterinary and agricultural science teaching and research centres at Gatton, UQ Business School, social science research at Long Pocket, teaching hospitals, health centres and other medical research facilities. UQ's research, delivered by an interdisciplinary research community of more than 1,500 scientists, social scientists and engineers, has a global impact.

Faculties:

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
• Medicine
• Business, Economics and Law
• Science
• Health and Behavioural Sciences

Research institutes:

• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Global Change Institute (GCI)
• Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB)
• Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR)
• Mater Research Institute - UQ
• Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
• Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)
• Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI)

The University of Queensland has step-by-step instructions on how to complete applications on the Future Students' website. Students can choose their program, find out about entry requirements and academic and English language pathways, fees, and more.

Applicants to UQ will be able to submit their application to the university directly or via an approved agent, according to their preferences. Applicants will be able to get in touch with UQ admissions staff at any point during the application process, by phone or email.

Many international students often work with an approved UQ agent, who can help them with their decisions, provide advice, and assist with completing and submitting their application to The University of Queensland.

Here are a few reasons to apply to UQ, as given by an international student:

Urvi Mistry (India)

(The University of Queensland)

UQ International Student Ambassador

''I enjoy everything about studying at UQ. Friendly teachers, faculty support, opportunities for self-development and life experiences make for the perfect blend of everything needed for personal growth and development. UQ also has a strong international culture. I've made friends from diverse backgrounds which has added to my experience. UQ is among the most highly esteemed universities in Australia and has a very ambitious research and learning environment.''

The University of Queensland offers competitive scholarships to help high achieving students fund their tertiary education. Students can visit the UQ Scholarships webpage for the latest scholarships available.

Students will be able to access and apply for field-of-study scholarships at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels through UQ faculties, private sector organisations, industry partners or schools. Some of the available scholarships are designed for honours students, and grants may also be available to assist students with the cost of travelling to international conferences.

The university also offers a range of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships, providing up to AUD 40 million in funding support each year for the living and tuition expenses of HDR students.

Australian government scholarships

UQ participates in scholarship initiatives offered by the Australian Government such as the Australia Awards. For more information and to check eligibility, visit the UQ scholarships page.

Financial aid

Students may be eligible to apply for student loan programs offered by their home country to cover some of their educational expenses. For more information, please visit UQ's financial aid for international students section.

The University of Queensland offers students a leading campus experience globally, with urban locations across the sunshine sate along with a lovely subtropical climate, impressive architecture, excellent campus safety and a relaxed lifestyle. The university is home to advanced academic facilities which students can use to excel in their studies.

UQ students have access to world-class facilities, unique resources and exceptional learning environments. The university has:

• One of the fastest and most advanced information networks in the world
• Modern teaching spaces that enable the use of the latest technology
• Eight internationally recognised research institutes
• One of the best research libraries in Australia
• World-class sporting facilities including an Olympic-size pool, athletics track, a fitness centre, multiple fields and courts, and a tennis centre

St Lucia campus, UQ's main campus, is a vibrant mix of old sandstone buildings, modern architecture, parklands and lakes. It is a city within a city with all the facilities students need to study, live and relax, including food and retail outlets, libraries, entertainment, fitness facilities and healthcare.

UQ Gatton, the university's rural campus, is located near the town of Gatton, 87 kilometers west of the Brisbane CBD. The Gatton campus provides students with a relaxed and welcoming student lifestyle that is supported by high quality accommodation on campus, cutting-edge teaching and world-class research facilities, and a good range of sports and fitness facilities.

UQ's Herston campus, is located in the heart of Brisbane's health district. It is home to the Medicine and Public Health schools, the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Oral Health Centre and the research activities of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. It is situated to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland's largest teaching and research hospital.