When QIT transformed to QUT 25 years ago, the changing of that one little letter triggered an enormous wave of new energy.
We had a proud history as the Queensland Institute of Technology, but as the Queensland University of Technology we embraced a new era as 'a university for the real world'.
That pledge forms the very heart of QUT: We are characterised by our real world teaching, excellent employment outcomes, applied research and close links with industry.
Our relative youth in the Australian tertiary sector means we bring vitality and innovation to all our endeavours and achievements.
QUT's 25th anniversary in 2014 commemorates the passing of the Queensland University of Technology Act in November 1988 and the approval of QIT's new university status to operate as QUT from January 1989.
Our predecessor institutions date back 165 years and include the Brisbane School of Arts (established 1849), Kedron Park and Kelvin Grove teachers colleges (1961), Brisbane Kindergarten Training College (1911), QIT (1965), and Brisbane College of Advanced Education (1982).
Looking back over the past 25 years, the university has grown in infrastructure and research reputation.
We were named the top Australian university under 50 years of age by the global Times Higher Education Top 100 Under 50 in 2013.
We now have two major research institutes - the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and Institute for Future Environments as well as faculties and research centres across the fields of health, law, education, creative industries, business, science and engineering.
QUT is one of the nation's leading universities in national competitive grants for education, creative industries, applied mathematics/statistics, information technology, and robotics, avionics and automation.
In the vital health arena, we have strengths in nursing, wound healing, optometry, prostate cancer, and biomedical engineering.
Two major precincts have been developed in the past 25 years. Ten years ago the Creative Industries Precinct opened within the Kelvin Grove Village, and last year the Science and Engineering Centre breathed new life into Gardens Point campus.
In 2014, we have more than 43,000 students (including 7000 international) and 7000 staff, spread across three campuses - Gardens Point in the Brisbane central business district, Kelvin Grove in the city's inner northwest, and Caboolture in the growing northern corridor.
The lectures they experience are very different to 25 years ago: they learn in open-plan collaborative environments on campus, or through a burgeoning online - and often mobile - environment.
Whichever way their education is delivered, they have the benefit of world-class educators who are recognised every year by the Australian Awards for University Teaching.
More than 170,000 students have graduated from QUT in the past 25 years, many of whom remain linked with the university through QUT Alumni.
The university's future is in good hands thanks to our financial stability, our commitment to environmental sustainability, the dedication and talents of a regenerated workforce and the ongoing drive and enthusiasm of our students and staff.
Media contact: media@qut.edu.au
