QUT research update: August 2026

See the most recent research updates from QUT this month including the first-ever koala chlamydia vaccine implant inserted into a wild koala, A QUT scientist was awarded one of computational mechanics highest honours, a new framework to unlock the power of belief in healthcare, and strengthened collaborations between QUT with PNG and Doomadgee.

QUT scientist awarded one of computational mechanics' highest honours

QUT Distinguished Professor Yuantong Gu has received a prestigious Fellows Award from the International Association for Computational Mechanics (IACM), one of the highest honours awarded in the field worldwide. Read more.

QUT breakthrough unlocks long-sought performance barrier for carbon nanotubes

QUT researchers have overcome a challenge that has limited next-generation energy-harvesting materials for more than two decades, opening the door to more powerful wearable electronics and new ways of turning wasted heat into electricity. Read more.

First-ever koala chlamydia vaccine implant inserted into a wild koala

In what’s been hailed as a “massive breakthrough”, a chlamydia vaccine implant developed by QUT has been administered to a wild koala for the first time. This is the only koala chlamydia vaccine that uses two doses. Now thanks to the implant it can be applied in one examination. Read more.

Pain in the neck may be due to more than bad posture – work-related injury AI study

Artificial intelligence could predict an individual office worker’s risk of musculoskeletal injury in specific body parts, a study by QUT health and data scientists has found. Read more.

QUT and PNG strengthen partnership through technology and research MoU

QUT and the Papua New Guinea Government have extended an ongoing partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support education, digital capability, research and innovation initiatives across PNG. Read more.

QUT and Doomadgee community build foundations for ongoing collaboration

A group of QUT academics and students have this week visited the Queensland outback town of Doomadgee in a step towards future closer connections by first immersing themselves in culture to gain a greater understanding of community priorities. Read more.

Study raises concerns about AI health-prediction models trained on unreliable datasets

Some AI models designed to predict stroke and diabetes risk may be based on datasets whose origins cannot be verified, according to new research. Read more.

Emotional ups and downs boost engagement but reduce sales in livestream influencer selling

Influencers who frequently switch between emotions during livestreams may attract more likes and comments, but they are likely to sell fewer products, according to new research from QUT. Read more.

New framework could help unlock the power of belief in healthcare

A doctor's confidence, the design of a clinic and even the language used to explain a treatment may shape a patient's belief in their care, according to new QUT research. Read more.