Friends of Biodiversity

Friends of Biodiversity is a community of people committed to innovation, intervention and biodiversity impact.

There’s no easy way to solve Australia’s biodiversity crisis. It’s complex, ever evolving and it demands partnership across governments, industry, NGOs and, importantly, communities.

People do make a difference. We all have a role to play in protecting and nurturing our natural environment, tackling the challenges facing native species and legacy landscapes.

Established by the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS) in UQ’s Faculty of Science, the only qualification for membership is a desire to make a difference.

You can choose any number of ways to get involved. Maybe it’s learning more about the problem, getting informed and sharing your growing knowledge in your circles of influence. Maybe you want to support biodiversity research or the conservation leaders of tomorrow. Maybe you feel compelled to lobby for change. Or maybe you just like the idea of being part of a community of like-minded friends.

Whatever draws you to this group, we welcome you warmly and invite you to engage in ways that are meaningful to you. There’s no cost – simply register your interest and you’re in. We’ll send you information and invitations as you like.

Join Friends of Biodiversity

researchers at Hidden Vale Research Station

Our program is ever evolving and includes events, citizen science and volunteer opportunities, as well as lifelong learning through talks, workshops and articles. We’ll update you on Friends of Biodiversity opportunities as they arise. Things like:

research talks from UQ and other organisations on topics such as sustainable food systems, protecting migratory species, nature positive solutions for biodiversity, water quality and catchment management, data modelling for environmental research and decision making, and much more
special public events like 2023’s The Price of Neglect at Customs House, an expert panel discussion featuring former Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham and moderated by ABC’s Tegan Taylor
tours and researcher-led activities like bird walks
regional biodiversity events, including in areas like Moreton Bay and Toowoomba.

water bird

UQ Alumni Birdwatching Walk

At the UQ Alumni Family Fun Day on Saturday 28 February 2026, Friends of Biodiversity were treated to Flyways, a film on Australia’s migratory shorebirds and a Q&A with renowned biologist Professor Richard Fuller from UQ’s Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS).

After the film, Professor Fuller led an informative bird walk around UQ Lakes.

View the photos from the walk