UQ research institutes

The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, is an international leader in research and teaching in a comprehensive range of disciplines, including the biosciences, nanotechnology, sustainable development and social science.

In partnership with government, industry and donors, UQ has developed eight globally-recognised Research Institutes:

By combining modern infrastructure with a culture that champions research excellence, the Institutes have attracted a community of more than 1500 scientists, social scientists and engineers. This community also includes a strong base of staff and students from other initiatives, such as the UQ Centre for Clinical Research.
 
The Institutes are today’s flagships of a tradition of research leadership at UQ, where highlights include:
  • the discovery of a vaccine for cervical cancer;
  • a new technology that has the potential to revolutionise targeted drug delivery;
  • contributing to and promoting conflict prevention around the world;
  • the identification of a protein that could lead to treatments for serious liver diseases such as hepatitis;
  • a much-needed new approach to treating brain tumours; and
  • the development of a framework to monitor and report on the community engagement strategies of mining companies.
These and other world-leading discoveries and research projects are highlighted throughout this section of the website. The diverse and interdisciplinary research conducted at the Institutes includes work on kidney, heart and liver disease, dementia, brain injury, artificial blood vessels, inflammation, bioenergy, mineral processing, ageing and community engagement.
 
Two UQ commercialisation companies manage the Institutes’ intellectual property portfolios. One company, UniQuest, is responsible for commercialisation of research at AIBN, Diamantina, IMB, ISSR and QBI, while JKTech Pty Ltd handles commercialisation for SMI. All three companies identify, nurture and protect intellectual property, develop international networks, negotiate and execute licences, and bring investors to create startup enterprises.
 
Support from the Queensland Government through its Smart State strategies, the Australian Government and major donor The Atlantic Philanthropies is critical to the Institutes’ success.
UQ research institutes section

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

AIBN abandons traditional boundaries to focus research effort into areas that will provide great benefit for human health, manufacturing, information technology and the environment.

UQ Diamantina Institute (UQDI)

UQDI is a modern research facility where clinical and basic science converge in the translational research of cancer and disorders of immune regulation.

Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB)

IMB's mission is to decipher the information contained in the genes, proteins and molecules of humans, animals and plants.

Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR)

ISSR was established to allow advanced inquiry into some of the most important issues and challenges facing Australia today. Through ISSR, UQ aims to establish itself as the national leader for multidisciplinary social science and one of the world's leading social science research universities.

Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)

The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) mission is to significantly improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of tropical and subtropical food, fibre and agri-business industries. QAAFI will be an internationally recognised agriculture and food research institute providing excellence in research and development.

Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)

QBI researchers work to discover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the ability of the adult brain to generate new nerve cells and form functional connections.

Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI)

SMI is the world’s leading research institute dedicated to finding knowledge-based solutions to the sustainability challenges of the minerals industry.

Global Change Institute (GCI)

GCI provides a vehicle for collaborative research, learning, engagement and advocacy in major global change issues.

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