Executive Dean’s Message - March 2026

Dear colleagues,

I recognise that ongoing global and domestic events are affecting many members of our community and may be weighing heavily on staff and students, both professionally and personally. I want to acknowledge these pressures and thank those who continue to support one another and sustain our core teaching, research and professional activities during this challenging period.

This week is week 6 of Semester 1. Thank you all for your sustained effort in supporting teaching, learning and student engagement. The pace of activity across our courses, research and professional services reflects the commitment and care that underpin the work of the Faculty of Science. After a busy 6 weeks of teaching, I am sure that the in-semester break next week will be welcomed by many staff.

With the Easter break also approaching, I hope this provides an opportunity for staff and students to take some well‑earned respite, reconnect with family and friends, and return refreshed for the rest of the semester.

Congratulations

Engaging Science Grant Award

Congratulations to Diane Kleine (SENV) and her team on being awarded an Engaging Science Grant from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) for their project Outback to Ocean: Exploring Coral Reefs Through Time and Change. The project will engage regional and remote communities through hands‑on workshops that connect ancient inland fossil reefs with living coastal ecosystems, building science literacy, supporting citizen science and empowering people to respond to climate challenges affecting Queensland’s coral reefs and natural heritage.

QS subject rankings

Congratulations to staff of the School of the Environment and the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability for their contribution to UQ being ranked the top university of Australia in Environmental Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry! Environmental Sciences at UQ was also ranked equal 18th and Agriculture and Forestry at UQ was ranked 26th in the world. Congratulations also to staff in the School of Veterinary Sciences who contributed to Veterinary Science at UQ being ranked number 34. Please see the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for further information.

Sector news

Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD)

The Australian Government has released Ambitious Australia: Strategic Examination of Research and Development, outlining a reform agenda to strengthen Australia’s research, development and innovation (RD&I) system and improve long‑term national impact.

The proposed action plan focuses on six priority areas:

1. Driving greater focus and scale for RD&I impact
2. Sustaining a world‑class foundational research system
3. Strengthening incentives to grow RD&I‑driven businesses and industries
4. Unlocking investment and capital across the innovation cycle
5. Building workforce capability to support RD&I activities
6. Strengthening government leadership of the RD&I system

Headline recommendations include:

• Establishing a single National Innovation Council to coordinate Commonwealth RD&I investment
• Consolidating national effort into six National Innovation Pillars (health and medical; agriculture and food; defence; environment and energy; resources; and technology), supported by National Strategy Advisory Councils and targeted National Strategic Initiatives
• Renewed support for foundational research, including reversing declines in competitive grants, improving indirect cost recovery, enabling research specialisation, and committing to the sustainability of national research infrastructure
• Reform of the R&D Tax Incentive and expanded incentives for startups, advanced manufacturing and investors to strengthen translation and commercialisation
• Stronger research workforce pathways, including industry‑engaged training, improved PhD support in priority areas, and prioritisation of First Nations RD&I activities
• Clearer government leadership, including through procurement, streamlined funding processes and a stronger national narrative on the value of RD&I

The report proposes a staged approach to implementation, beginning with system and governance reform, followed by scaling public and private investment once the system is better aligned.

Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Science, spoke in the topic ‘Smarter, Stronger, Safer: A Future made in Australia backed by R&D’ at the Australian Press Club on Wednesday. Included in his speech was the importance of the SERD review. It’s worth listening to the recording on iView. A link can be found online.

Horizon Europe – Progress Update

The Australian Government has announced it will commence negotiations for an Australian association with Horizon Europe from 2027, opening significant opportunities to access the world’s largest pooled research and innovation funding program. If finalised, this association would enable our researchers to lead and participate in large‑scale international projects with European partners across priority areas such as climate and clean energy, advanced technologies, health and critical minerals - supporting research at a scale and impact not achievable through domestic funding alone. Australian universities, including UQ and those in the Go8, are jointly supporting the association, with funding access expected to commence from early 2027 subject to the current negotiations.

UQ news

Gatton Campus

From 1 April 2026, the Office of the Director of the Gatton Campus (ODGC) will transfer from the Faculty of Science to UQ’s Property and Facilities Division. This change supports the UQ 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and reflects the continued development of the Gatton campus as a vibrant hub for regional, industry and community priorities, supported by strong infrastructure and facilities.

The transition involves revised reporting lines only, with no job losses or substantive changes to roles. The Faculty of Science will continue to lead teaching and research activity at Gatton, with no impact on academic programs or disciplinary leadership. We acknowledge the significant contribution of the Faculty of Science in managing the campus since 2017, strengthening regional and industry partnerships and reinforcing Gatton’s global reputation in agriculture, animal and veterinary sciences.

Following the transition, Property and Facilities and the Faculty of Science will work closely with Gatton-based teams to further enhance campus operations and facilities. Staff with questions about the change are encouraged to contact the Faculty Executive Manager, Helen Weir, at sciencefem@uq.edu.au.

PULSE Survey

I would like to sincerely thank all staff who took the time to participate in the university’s PULSE survey, which closed on 20 March 2026. This year, the Faculty of Science recorded a 3 per cent higher completion rate than in 2025, and your strong engagement and willingness to share your perspectives are greatly appreciated, providing valuable insight into staff experience across the university. We hope to be able to share faculty‑level results shortly.

Faculty of Science news

Faculty of Science Strategic Priorities 2026 - 2029

Thank you to the many staff who have contributed to the development of draft Strategic Priorities for the Faculty of Science for 2026 – 2029. This draft is now open for feedback for all academic and professional staff in the Faculty of Science. I encourage you to complete the Faculty of Science priorities survey recently. These priorities have been developed through faculty‑wide consultation last November, advice from leaders across our faculty and schools, and alignment with the UQ Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The survey will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and includes a small number of agree/disagree questions, as well as optional open‑text responses. The survey will remain open until 11.00 pm on Thursday, 2 April 2026.

Electrical Safety – Test and Tag Reminder

A reminder to all staff that UQ has an Electrical Safety Procedure. Please ensure that you are aware of the requirements associated with privately owned appliances (excerpt below):

(49) Staff and students are encouraged not to bring privately owned electrical equipment to work.

(50) Privately owned electrical equipment that is required in the workplace must be approved by local HSW Manager to ensure its suitability for use and may need to be tested and tagged. 

Events

International Women’s Day

Earlier this month we celebrated International Women’s Day, recognising the contributions of women across our faculty and our broader community. Thank you to the many women across the Faculty of Science who contribute through their leadership, scholarship, teaching, professional expertise and community engagement, and those who support gender equity through their advocacy and allyship. Our collective efforts, alongside the University’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, are critical to creating an inclusive and respectful environment in which everyone can thrive.

World Science Festival Brisbane (20 – 29 March 2026)

The Faculty of Science is proudly contributing to the World Science Festival Brisbane, with UQ a key partner and many of our researchers sharing their expertise with communities across the city. Through events in the UQ Impact Series and the broader festival program, our academic community is helping to bring science into the public conversation, connect research with lived experience, and demonstrate the important role science plays in addressing challenges that matter to society.

I would like to acknowledge colleagues who are participating in festival events and engaging so openly with the wider community. Their involvement reflects the Faculty of Science’s strong commitment to public good, impact and inclusive science communication, and to ensuring our research is accessible, relevant and responsive to community needs.

Faculty of Science contributions and community focused events include:

• Citizen Science Fair — Queensland Museum Kurilpa (27–28 March)
  A free, hands‑on event showcasing coral, biodiversity, conservation and species identification, including participation from UQ’s CoralWatch team and a nudibranch identification workshop with Ocean Connect.
   
• Science by the Bay — Deception Bay Environment Hub (26–29 March)
  A free, family‑friendly exhibition exploring the science and conservation of Moreton Bay through interactive displays, microscopes, and citizen science activities, including the launch of the Moreton Bay Passport app. Register online.
   
• Dr G Talks AI3 – Gurion Ang, SENV presents a practical and engaging session designed to make IA³ (Internal Assessment 3) less daunting for senior science students, aimed at Year 10 and 11.
   
• The Science of Sex: Big Ideas - Robbie Wilson, SENV joins a panel discussion exploring the science of sex, examining how biology, evolution and behaviour shape attraction, reproduction and diversity across humans and the animal world.
   
• Digital Detox: Birdwatching Walk - A guided, family‑friendly birdwatching walk led by Hugh Possingham as part of the WSF Brisbane Digital Detox series, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and learn to spot local bird species with expert insight.

UQ Impact Series. A program showing big ideas on stage in partnership with UQ.

• Blast Off: Exploring Other Worlds!
  Exploring missions to the Moon and Mars, and the search for life beyond Earth moderated by Tamara Davis, SMP.
   
• Healthy Microbiome, Happy Brain?
  Examining emerging research into the links between gut health, mental health and wellbeing.
   
• Science Smackdown: The Ultimate Debate!
  A fast‑paced public debate bringing scientific thinking and evidence to centre stage featuring Tamara Davis, SMP.

These activities provide valuable opportunities for staff, students and community members to engage with science in meaningful and accessible ways, and to see first‑hand how Faculty of Science research contributes to the public good.

Opportunities and upcoming events

UQ Translate: 2026 Pilot Scheme

The UQ Translate 2026 Pilot Scheme, chaired by the DVC(RI), is now open and aims to support high‑potential UQ research concepts and existing intellectual property to progress toward active commercialisation. The scheme focuses on advancing post‑proof‑of‑concept projects to increase technical maturity, commercial or public‑good impact, and industry engagement. Expressions of Interest open Monday 23 March 2026, with EOIs due to Faculties and Institutes for ranking by Monday 13 April 2026. Staff interested in applying are encouraged to review the scheme guidelines and consult local Faculty or Institute contacts regarding submission arrangements.

Faculty of Science All Staff Forum – 23 June 2026

Colleagues are warmly invited to attend the Faculty of Science All Staff Forum on Tuesday 23 June 2026, to be held as a hybrid event, hosted in person at St Lucia with online participation available. The forum will include faculty highlights, a Q&A session with members of the Faculty Executive, and the launch of the Faculty of Science Priorities for 2026–2029. Further information and a formal invitation will be shared closer to the date.

Kind regards,
Professor Melissa Brown
Executive Dean – Faculty of Science