An Australian-first study into animal hoarders is expected to reveal overwhelming numbers of animals being kept in unsanitary conditions and harmful environments in the Central Qld region.

Central Queensland University Psychology (Honours) student Shuron Billman has been awarded the 2004 RSPCA Australia Alan White Scholarship for Animal Welfare Research to pursue her study: ‘Characterising the Psychological Underpinnings of Animal Hoarders: A CQ study’.

Four CQU Rockhampton researchers are preparing to mix with other reptile and amphibian specialists at a herpetology conference in February.

They are PhD degree candidate Eridani Mulder, Masters degree candidates Sabrina Hall and John Clarke and PhD graduate Dr Andrea Phillott.

More than 25 secondary school students from across the district and beyond have discovered why science is becoming an increasingly popular choice of study for Central Queensland University students.

The students participated in a hands-on and practical look into the intriguing and ever-changing world of science as they enjoyed the 2005 Siemens Science Experience at CQU Mackay this week.

More than 60 secondary school students discovered the wonders of science at the Siemens Science Experience in Rockhampton this week.

Students from throughout the region explored various areas of science and technology when they took part in the science summer school from January 18-20 at CQU Rockhampton.

Thirty-nine high school students from throughout Queensland have spent the past week at CQU Rockhampton as part of the Future Engineers Australia Management Project (FEAMP) run by The Engineering Link Group.

FEAMP is designed for students entering Year 12 who want to boost their skills in team dynamics and problem solving; management and leadership; entrepreneurship; marketing and communication; venture capitalisation; time management and engineering.

Organisers of the proposed reunion of the Institute Rugby Union Club are seeking feedback from those intending to attend.

Feedback can be sent to Gary Flower via gflow2@eq.

The Alliance Frangaise in Rockhampton will be running French Language Classes at CQU Rockhampton's Language Centre on Wednesday evenings, starting February 2.

For information, contact Laurence Marshall on 4939 7808 or chez.

Children aged 10-12 have spent their summer holidays developing fitness and skills, thanks to an Active Kids program held at CQU Rockhampton this week.

The Active Kids sporting and recreation camp was organised by the School of Health & Human Performance (HHP) at Central Queensland University Rockhampton.

Traditional associations between tattoos and rough, marginalised, untidy men are being challenged by research from Central Queensland University.

Research conducted by Honours student Cathy Millan, PhD candidate Leeana Kent and Dr Lynne ForsterLee has found that tattoos are now part of mainstream society, used as a form of self-presentation.

CQU Associate Professor Gayle Jennings has accepted an invitation to join the editorial board of the 'Journal of Travel Research'.

The 'Journal of Travel Research' is considered one of the two pre-eminent international tourism journals (the other being 'Annals of Tourism').