Key research areas in Queensland

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In this guide:

Queensland's diverse research expertise focuses on key areas that capitalise on the state's natural assets and existing industry strengths, as well as developing new industries.

Research in Queensland spans a wide range of areas, including:

advanced manufacturing - including research 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
agricultural science - including innovations to improve agribusinesses through research into genetic improvements, infectious diseases, agricultural systems modelling, animal and plant science, fisheries and aquaculture, biosecurity and food technology
renewable energy - universities doing research projects, including solar, biofuels and bioenergy
aviation and aerospace - helping to secure Queensland's position as an emerging centre for the industry in Australia that is also globally competitive
biotechnology - using living things, such as Queensland's biodiversity, to develop medicines and tests for diseases, foods that are more nutritious and/or produced more easily, and products that benefit the environment
creative industries - encompassing print and digital media production, software development for computer gaming and video production, performing arts, music and marketing
environmental and mining technologies and services - developing goods and services in water and wastewater management, air quality, energy, mining, recycling, waste solids and urban development
information and communication technology (ICT) - delivering world-class ICT products and services to traditional industries such as mining, agriculture, health, transport and tourism
nanotechnology - 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
therapeutic medicines and devices - including developing and testing new medicines and medical devices for both people and animals.

Research infrastructure

Research in Queensland is supported by some of the best research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Queensland's research infrastructure has helped make the state a centre of excellence for science and technology. These facilities include precincts such as the Queensland Biosciences Precinct at St Lucia, the Ecosciences Precinct at Dutton Park, the Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains, the Australian Tropical Sciences and Innovation Precinct in Townsville, and the Creative Industries Precinct at Kelvin Grove, as well as institutes and centres at universities, in hospitals, in regional areas and even on tropical islands.

Learn more about Queensland's research infrastructure for areas such as: