Real Focus feature stories

Modern work is an evolving ecosystem, with robotics, generative AI, the gig economy and the rise of digital platforms impacting careers and workplaces.

Read more of The future of work

Filed under: Business
Public policy impact

Distinguished Professor Lyn Griffiths is a 'DNA detective', tracking down genetic links to human ailments to lead to personalised treatment. She also uses next-generation genome sequencing to identify the remains of missing Australian soldiers.

Read more of Geneticist uncovers the history of us

Filed under: Health
Health impact

They live in a secret underground world, hidden down the cracks of the hardened clay soil of outback Queensland – small as a mouse, cute as a bilby and sometimes as ferocious as a tiger.

Read more of The secret world of the dunnart

Filed under: Science

Associate Professor Zephanie Tyack, internationally recognised for pioneering burns treatment for children, has built her healthcare career by following one simple maxim: make things better for people.

Read more of Revolutionising the quality of healthcare, step by step

Filed under: Health

From high school experiments to cutting-edge technology, Dr Tobias Fischer has travelled the globe in his quest to change the future face of robotics.

Read more of Shaping the future of robotics

Filed under: Engineering
Commercial impact

QUT researcher Professor Narelle Haworth isn’t just studying road safety, she’s living it with her daily bicycle commute into the office.

Read more of Pedalling her commitment to road safety

Filed under: Health
Public policy impact

Associate Professor Paige Little has made it her life’s work to help children with spinal deformities. She also champions disadvantaged teens to pursue a career in STEM.

Read more of Supporting spines and building futures

Filed under: Engineering, Health
Health impact

QUT’s health law experts Professors Lindy Willmott and Ben White have played a key role in end-of-life law in Australia. Their extraordinary 20-year-plus professional relationship has helped give 98 per cent of Australians the choice of a better death.

Read more of The legal pioneers behind end-of-life law in Australia

Filed under: Law
Legal impact

The devastating impact of fraud has far-reaching consequences. QUT’s Professor Cassandra Cross has made it her mission to give victims of fraud a voice and advocate for change.

Read more of Giving a voice to victims of fraud

Filed under: Justice
Social impact

QUT researcher Professor Michael Flood has spent decades advocating for gender equality, and engaging men and boys in domestic and sexual violence prevention. He’s put the notion of healthy masculinities on the map, shaping the public agenda in Australia.

Read more of Building better men

Filed under: Justice
Social impact

A research project seeks to cut the development time for new life-saving drugs by adding an extra dimension to the process.

Read more of Developing drugs in the third dimension

Filed under: Engineering, Health

One of Australia’s most iconic animals is under threat, with chlamydial disease decimating koala populations in south-east Queensland. Professor Ken Beagley is among those leading the fight to ensure these beloved creatures not only survive, but thrive.

Read more of Giving koalas a fair shot at survival

Filed under: Health
Environmental impact