See the most recent research updates from QUT this month including AI-generated proteins, cost-effective ways to combat ICU drug-resistant infections, Australia’s opportunity in the global upcycled food market, major gaps in the fashion pollution controls and nine QUT students have been named 2026 Westpac Young Technologist Scholars.
Scientists turn AI-generated proteins into smart molecular sensors
Published in Nature Biotechnology, an international team led by researchers at QUT has used artificial intelligence to create tiny “smart” proteins that switch on only when they detect a chosen target. The research opens the way to a new generation of low-cost biosensors for medicine, environmental monitoring and biotechnology. Read more.
QUT researchers identify Australia’s opportunity in the USD $68.56 billion global upcycled food market
QUT researchers have found Australia is well positioned to build a competitive upcycled food sector, turning surplus and byproducts into high-value food products while reducing food waste and supporting growers and manufacturers. Read more.
Nine QUT students named 2026 Westpac Young Technologists Scholars
Nine QUT students have been awarded a prestigious Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship for 2026, a program designed to empower high school graduates to explore technology’s potential for good. Read more.
Pilot study confirms cost-effective way to combat ICU drug-resistant infections
A QUT-led pilot study has shown the use of a relatively simple and cost-effective method of monitoring the presence of infectious disease-causing bacteria in intensive care units and their sites of transmission. Read more.
New report exposes major gaps in fashion pollution controls
A new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, authored by QUT researchers, has revealed widespread failures in how governments regulate pollution from the fashion industry. Read more.
Joeys boost hopes that QUT vaccine can save our koalas
Behind the cute images of one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved animals is a battle for survival – but thanks to a QUT-led research collaboration, the tide is turning at one of the state’s most diseased koala populations. Read more.
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Jenni is an innovative communications, marketing and engagement specialist with fifteen years of industry experience. She is also a proud QUT alumnus with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Interdisciplinary).