The University of Queensland Foundation Research Excellence Awards recognise outstanding performance and leadership potential among UQ's early career researchers.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield instituted the awards program, now in its third year and the first of its kind in Australia. In 2001, nine researchers from a diverse range of disciplines were recognised with awards totalling $670,000. Annual recipients are honoured at a gala function at UQ's Customs House.