Feedback
Scientific research
Scientific research in Queensland is making a difference globally with strengths across all the fields of science, particularly in applying research that is important for ourselves, our region and the planet.
Queensland science is addressing some of the biggest challenges the world faces, including the health of our communities and environments, the quality and quantity of food available, clean energy, and sustainable economies
Queensland research is supporting our knowledge-based industries such as additive biomanufacturing, AI-enabled healthcare, advanced materials and precision engineering, and next generation aerospace and space technologies.
The Queensland Government supports scientific research by funding projects, collaborative arrangements, skills development and facilities, which in turn helps to attract and keep world-class researchers in Queensland. We also ensure the appropriate regulatory mechanisms are in place, and provide information and support to help the commercialisation of Queensland science.
This guide provides an overview of scientific research areas in Queensland, partnerships and networking opportunities, clinical trials and commercialisation support.
Research partnerships and networking opportunities
Queensland research is known for its one team approach to research collaboration in Queensland. Queensland research is strengthened by collaborations with Australian and international research institutions, universities, government agencies and industry groups.
Through partnerships and networking opportunities, Queensland researchers are achieving research results that benefit people all over the world.
Research partnerships
The Queensland Government has research partners in many countries, including the United Kingdom, India, China, the United States, Canada, Israel and New Zealand. International science partnerships offer a variety of opportunities for Queensland researchers.
Queensland also partners nationally with universities, colleges, research and development corporations, research institutes, and the Australian Government. Queensland has developed world-class infrastructure and science precincts in a number of key research areas to enable scientists to work together to deliver improved research outcomes.
Networking opportunities
The Queensland Government offers networking programs to support scientific research and industry-based collaboration.
Key networking programs include:
- The Partner Up Queensland (PUQ) Regional Science and Innovation Network is a state-wide approach to increasing science and innovation engagement in regional Queensland.
- Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) is an industry-led organisation, working closely with government, to provide leadership, promotion and growth opportunities for life sciences firms and organisations in Queensland. Each year, LSQ hosts the Globally Engaging Networking Event, bringing together key international and national life sciences leaders.
University research experts
Queensland has expertise in areas such as translational research, health, industrial biotechnology, tropical health, and food and agriculture.
Use the links below to search for a university expert in your area of interest. Gain insight into their research and explore potential opportunities for collaborations.
- The University of Queensland
- Queensland University of Technology
- James Cook University
- Griffith University
- University of Southern Queensland
- Central Queensland University
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Bond University
- Australian Catholic University.
Explore over 300 research centres across the state on the Queensland science capability directory.
Also consider...
- Contact science industry associations to connect with other businesses involved in scientific research.
Conducting clinical trials in Queensland
Queensland is a one-stop-shop for clinical research and development programs.
Queensland is an attractive location for clinical trials because of its:
- world-class researchers and clinicians
- leading healthcare and research infrastructure
- stable socio-political environment
- robust intellectual property frameworks
- simple and efficient regulatory framework for clinical research.
Queensland has a highly networked framework of hospitals, research institutions, companies and universities throughout the state. This forms a powerful collaborative platform for clinical research from Phase I through to Phase IV.
If you are considering conducting pre-clinical and clinical trials, our expertise and strength in this area can help accelerate the delivery of your product for testing.
Service providers
The Queensland Clinical Trials Portal provides information on conducting clinical trials in Queensland including a comprehensive directory of clinical trials sites and their capabilities and a directory of service providers.
Contact us
Complete our contact form for queries about clinical trials and clinical trial capabilities in Queensland.
Also consider...
- Learn more about science and research in Queensland.
- Discover collaboration opportunities.
- Find Queensland investment-ready opportunities.
Research commercialisation
Commercialisation is the process of developing an idea through research to a point where it is ready to be sold in the marketplace.
Taking research to market
The Translational Research Institute, an Australian-first initiative in 'bench to bedside' medical research, accelerates the translation of medical research and development into evidence-based treatments.
Life Sciences Queensland is an industry-led organisation that works closely with government and the research sector to support life sciences firms and organisations in Queensland.
You can also access commercialisation support for the agriculture, food and fibre sectors.
Read more about other research and development (R&D) support services available to help businesses and researchers commercialise their products.
University research commercialisation
Many of Queensland's major universities and research institutes have established commercialisation companies or offices that help link their research to investors and the marketplace.
Also consider...
- Find out about science investment opportunities.
- Learn about intellectual property commercialisation opportunities at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).
- Learn about intellectual property and how to protect your idea.
Key scientific research areas in Queensland
Queensland's scientific research focuses on key areas that:
- capitalise on the state's natural assets and existing industry strengths
- help develop new industries.
Research in Queensland spans a wide range of areas, including:
Advanced manufacturing and design
Manufacturing and design research aims to improve sustainability and technology to grow existing capabilities such as engineering, machinery, mining and metal product manufacturing, and to further develop expertise in new areas such as electronics, rail and fibre composites.
Learn more about advanced manufacturing and design.
Biotechnology
Using Queensland's biological resources - such as plants and animals - researchers help develop medicines and tests for diseases, foods that are more nutritious or produced more easily, and products that benefit the environment.
Learn more about biotechnology and find out about biodiscovery and business.
Creative Industries
Research in the creative industries covers print and digital media production, software development for computer gaming and video production, performing arts, music and marketing.
Learn more about creative industries.
Defence, aviation and space
Research in this area contributes to:
- advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities and support services
- education, training and simulation activities
- logistics
- unmanned airborne vehicles and development facilities.
Learn more about defence, aviation and space.
Environment and nature
Scientific research of the environment and nature covers goods and services in water and wastewater management, air quality, green energy, recycling and urban development.
Learn more about environment and nature.
Food and agriculture
Research facilities include molecular biology and genomics laboratories, a network of research stations and field trial sites with different climates from semi-arid inland to the Wet Tropics.
Learn more about food and agriculture.
Health and medical
Health and medical research covers the application of cell-based technologies, including advanced therapies for cancer and research into viral, bacterial and parasitic infection.
Learn more about health and medical.
Digital economy
Digital-based research helps provide information security, 3D animation special effects and post-production services, game development, and world-class ICT products and services to traditional industries such as mining, agriculture, health, transport and tourism.
Learn more about digital economy.
Mining and energy
Mining and energy research helps to develop alternative fuels and produce key alternative fuel feedstocks such as sugar, grains (particularly sorghum), coal and coal seam methane.
Learn more about mining and resources and energy.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology research involves working with very small particles to create new products for health care, such as medicines, and to benefit the environment, such as through clean energy production.
Learn more about nanotechnology.
Renewable energy
A number of innovative research projects are being carried out in Queensland's renewable energy industry, including areas such as solar, biofuels and bioenergy.
Learn more about renewable energy.
Research infrastructure
Research in Queensland is supported by some of the best research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Current research infrastructure
Queensland's research infrastructure has helped make the state a centre of excellence for science and technology. These facilities include precincts such as:
- Queensland Biosciences Precinct (St Lucia, Brisbane)
- Ecosciences Precinct (Dutton Park, Brisbane)
- Health and Food Sciences Precinct (Coopers Plains, Brisbane)
- Australian Tropical Sciences and Innovation Precinct (Townsville, North Queensland)
- Creative Industries Precinct (Kelvin Grove, Brisbane)
- Translational Research Institute (Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane).
Find over 300 research centres across the state on the Queensland science capability directory.
Also consider...
- Learn more about scientific research in Queensland.
- Discover collaboration opportunities.
- Find Queensland investment-ready opportunities.
Government support for scientific research and new technologies
The Queensland Government supports scientific research in Queensland through funding assistance, financial incentives and policies. This support has led to billions of dollars in investment for projects, skills and facilities, and has created a collaborative network of institutes and precincts and over 300 research centres across the state.
Queensland Government funding for research
The Advance Queensland innovation initiative, launched in 2015, supports the creation, scale up and international success of Queensland scientists, researchers, innovators and businesses. Advance Queensland provides several programs and grants for entrepreneurs, startups or small businesses, investors and universities and researchers.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) supports research-industry collaborations with leading overseas organisations in Germany, China and the USA. It also supports leading-edge research and collaborative projects that address the department's priority research themes under the R&D Linkage Opportunities program.
To ensure future investments provide value for money and are well aligned with government objectives, the return-on-investment (ROI) approach for public good research investment and partnerships helps identify the most effective research and the highest priorities for funding which are likely to deliver the best outcomes for Queenslanders. Used together with the REDS decision rules for investment in research and development, it provides more targeted and impactful resource allocation.
Funding support for critical Queensland Government co-investment in National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) facilities with existing or planned Queensland operations is available through the DESI Research Infrastructure Co-investment Fund.
Australian Government funding for research
The Australian Government supports scientific research through research bodies, infrastructure development and funding. Some key Australian Government funding organisations are:
- Australian Research Council (ARC) is a statutory authority that advises the Government on research matters and manages a significant component of Australia's investment in research and development.
- Medical Research Future Fund is a $20 billion long-term investment supporting Australian health and medical research.
- National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) supports the investment of millions of dollars in research infrastructure across Australia.
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) aims to develop health standards in Australia through research funding in institutes, hospitals and government.
- Department of Industry, Science, and Resources manages national funding of major research infrastructure, develops international partnerships and provides advice on science and technology.
- The Australian Taxation Office provides an R&D Tax Concession that allows companies to deduct up to 125% of the expenditure incurred to undertake research and development (R&D).
- Rural Research and Development Corporations brings industry and researchers together to establish research and development strategic directions and fund projects.
- Australia's development program (part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) funds research to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development around the world.
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funds research projects and encourages Australia's agricultural scientists to use their skills for the benefit of developing countries and Australia.
Find out more about the national bodies supporting science in Australia.
Scientific research regulation and ethics
The Queensland Government has established regulations and codes of ethics to ensure scientific research in the state is carried out within a transparent and ethical environment. These include the use of animals in research and the use of biotechnology, gene technology and genetically modified organisms.
Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics
Community concerns about biotechnology are addressed by the Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics (the code), which defines the ethical boundaries for organisations undertaking biotechnology activities in Queensland. The code covers all areas of biotechnology activity including health care, agriculture, food and the environment.
It is a requirement that any biotechnology company receiving Queensland Government funding abide by the code and sign a statement of intent as part of its compliance and ongoing commitment to the code.
Organisations must also provide an annual report to the department by 30 September each year. For a copy of the annual report template, email qldscience@qld.gov.au.
Organisations covered by the code are identified in a public register. The Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics is being updated but you can download an interim version of the code.
For more information, email qldscience@qld.gov.au.
Gene technology and genetically modified organisms
Gene technology refers to a range of molecular techniques that allow the direct alteration of the genetic material of living things (organisms) so they may produce new or modified substances, or perform new or changed functions.
The National Gene Technology Scheme is a collaboration between all Australian governments, supporting a nationally consistent regulatory system for gene technology in Australia.
To support the National Gene Technology Scheme, the Australian and Queensland governments have enacted complementary legislation to regulate this technology: the Commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cwlth) and the Gene Technology (Queensland) Act 2016.
The Queensland Act automatically applies the Commonwealth gene technology laws as laws of Queensland – known as 'lock-step' – so that a consistent approach is in place across both jurisdictions. The Queensland Act also contains a provision whereby Queensland can 'opt out' of future Commonwealth amendments if they are not in Queensland's interests.
The Gene Technology Regulator administers and enforces the Queensland legislation.
Queensland has not banned commercial production of genetically modified crops.
For more information on Queensland's gene technology legislation or genetically modified organisms email: qldscience@qld.gov.au
© The State of Queensland 1995–2024
- Last reviewed: 08 Sep 2021
- Last updated: 08 Sep 2021