We study planet Earth. We are motivated by the need to solve current global challenges, such as the state of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases, energy and resource sustainability, and life beyond our planet.
We investigate rocks, oceans and the atmosphere by using physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology and geospatial science to observe and understand how our planet transformed and how life evolved. We use this knowledge to explore other planets and their habitability.
We have a particular research focus on:
- earth evolution
- natural resources
- climate, including atmospheric composition and change
- environmental challenges, including air quality, reef restoration and energy transition
- natural hazards, including landslides and volcanism
- planetary surfaces.
Award-winning researchers
Dr Catherine Kim was awarded the 2023 Qld Women in STEM Prize for her research into coral rubble, using statistical models and machine learning to assist in maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Dr Kim is also the coordinator for the Geospatial Information Science unit in our Bachelor of Science course. Watch the 2 minute video to learn more about Dr Kim's research.
Our research partnerships
We're working with you to find solutions to your problems. Reach result through a collaborative partnership with our experienced research experts who make active contributions to their fields.
Our facilities
Learning and teaching experience
Our courses provide students with hands-on skills and field experiences using state-of-the-art laboratories, real-world industry examples and methods.
Our staff
- Position
- Australian Laureate Fellow
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Atmospheric sciences
- Environmental engineering
- Environmental management
- l.morawska@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Head of School, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Physical geography and environmental geoscience
- Archaeology
- Environmental management
- p2.moss@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Geology
- Geochemistry
- Physical geography and environmental geoscience
- scott.bryan@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Geophysics
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- craig.oneill@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Associate Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Geology
- Aerospace engineering
- Astronomical sciences
- david.flannery@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Associate Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Atmospheric sciences
- Analytical chemistry
- Environmental management
- b.miljevic@qut.edu.au
News and events
Real futures: Year 11s & 12s dream big at QUT summit
A four-day university summit at QUT in Brisbane has inspired curiosity, ignited passion and deepened understanding of possible career pathways for 305 high school students from 148 schools across Brisbane, Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Future You: Year 11s & 12s picture life after school
More than 300 high school students have arrived at QUT to spend the first week of their school holidays test-driving possible careers at the 2026 QUT Future You Summit.
Newly discovered tiny marsupial found in the NT joins the planigale genus
The world’s tiniest marsupials, the planigales, have just gained a new species, after extensive genetic and morphological analysis led by QUT ecologists.
Contact us
Contact the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for more information on our courses, research and staff.