Research priorities
We've identified and invested in areas of research identified as priorities for the world, the nation and the state. In each of these areas we're continuing to build on the strength and experience of our experts.
Faculties
Business
Collaborate with government and industry to find innovative solutions that benefit business and community at a local, national and global level.
Explore areas like:
- accountability, regulation and governance
- consumers, markets and stakeholders
- economics and finance
- entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy
- non-profit and social enterprise
- organisation and work
Creative industries
Join our progressive and collaborative postgraduate community and make an original contribution to media, design or creative arts research. We believe in fostering a supportive intellectual environment that encourages our researchers to address real world problems in areas like:
- digital media, communication and culture
- innovation in the performing and digital arts
- sustainability and innovation in design.
Learn more about research in our Faculty of Creative Industries
Education
Recognised internationally as a leader in education research with a global outlook, we provide the right environment for our researchers and research students to make real progress and generate real world impact. Our research is leading the way in areas like:
- childhood in changing contexts
- teacher education and professional learning
- literacies, language, texts and technologies
- STEM education
- student engagement, learning and behaviour.
Health
Get hands-on experience with patients and students, and collaborate with government, community groups, hospitals and institutions from around the world. Your work has the potential to advance healthcare in areas including:
- behavioural neuroscience and mental health
- chronic conditions, including cancer
- healthy lifestyles, ageing and environments
- emergency care and health services
- infection and injury prevention.
Law
As our commercial, social and digital worlds continue to evolve, our laws and justice system must progress with them. Our research is helping to shape the law and guide policy reform in areas like:
- commercial and property law
- crime and justice
- health law
- intellectual property and innovation law
- international law and global governance.
Science and engineering
From robotics to biomedical engineering, we are leading the way with research that will contribute significantly to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of people across the globe. It’s exciting, world-changing work happening in areas like:
- chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering
- civil engineering and built environment
- earth environmental and biological sciences
- electrical engineering and computer science
- information systems
- mathematical sciences.
Learn more about research in our Science and Engineering Faculty
Institutes
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
The Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) creates an open, collaborative environment, fostering excellence in biomedical, health and engineering innovation.
Institute for Future Environments
Institute for Future Environments (IFE) brings together hundreds of experts from STEM fields, business and law, working to solve the world's grand challenges.
Indigenous research
Indigenous Studies Research Network
The Indigenous Studies Research Network is a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary network of Indigenous researchers, research affiliates and Indigenous postgraduate students. Through the network, researchers can share ideas, specialised skills, resources and information to build strong links around the world and promote international collaboration.
National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network
The National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network is a national, inclusive, multidisciplinary hub and spokesmodel network of Indigenous researchers at various stages of their careers. The network is led by Indigenous senior scholars with strong research track records who bring extensive experience in collaborative and community-based research.
Research projects
We're making real progress
We're delivering solutions to the challenges of today and the future. Be part of research that has real impact, locally and on a global scale. See just some of the current projects that are establishing our researchers as international research leaders.
Let’s dance: helping people living with Parkinson’s
QUT researchers have found that for people living with Parkinson’s disease, dance improves walking, emotional wellbeing, and capacity to tackle cognitive challenges.
QUT project aims to reduce dental anxiety and pain
A trip to the dentist is not an experience many people look forward to, especially when major work is involved, but a world-first QUT-led project aims to take away some of the pain using the power of light.
Slavery, slogans and the big sell
Consumers are the new activists in the fight against modern slavery, as awareness campaigns challenge the Western world to use their buying power for good – but a QUT political scientist says the focus needs to be on the victims, rather than products, if shoppers truly want to make a difference.
Orange, tea tree & eucalyptus oils sweeten diesel fumes
Waste oil from orange, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oil production mixed with diesel provides a sweet-smelling biofuel blend with comparable performance to diesel-only fuel.