We study planet Earth. We are motivated by the need to solve current global challenges, such as the state of the atmosphere, greenhouse gases, energy and resource sustainability, and life beyond our planet.
We investigate rocks, oceans and the atmosphere by using physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology and geospatial science to observe and understand how our planet transformed and how life evolved. We use this knowledge to explore other planets and their habitability.
We have a particular research focus on:
- earth evolution
- natural resources
- climate, including atmospheric composition and change
- environmental challenges, including air quality, reef restoration and energy transition
- natural hazards, including landslides and volcanism
- planetary surfaces.
Award-winning researchers
Dr Catherine Kim was awarded the 2023 Qld Women in STEM Prize for her research into coral rubble, using statistical models and machine learning to assist in maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Dr Kim is also the coordinator for the Geospatial Information Science unit in our Bachelor of Science course. Watch the 2 minute video to learn more about Dr Kim's research.
Our research partnerships
We're working with you to find solutions to your problems. Reach result through a collaborative partnership with our experienced research experts who make active contributions to their fields.
Our facilities
Learning and teaching experience
Our courses provide students with hands-on skills and field experiences using state-of-the-art laboratories, real-world industry examples and methods.
Our staff
- Position
- Visiting Fellow
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- ma.mcneil@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Visiting Fellow
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- julio.salcedocastro@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Emeritus Professor
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- Research fields
- Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Other earth sciences
- ian.mackinnon@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Micro-analytics Researcher
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- l2.kearney@qut.edu.au
- Position
- Research Support Officer
- Division / Faculty
- School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
- chantal.labbe@qut.edu.au
News and events
All aboard: CSIRO science ship exhibit docks at QUT for holidays
A 12-metre shipping container that gives science lovers a taste of life aboard Australia’s ocean research vessel (RV) Investigator is on display at QUT in inner Brisbane over the school holidays.
$2.8M project to reduce cotton industry’s greenhouse gas emissions
A project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cotton production systems to enable Australia to be the preferred international supplier of low emissions fibre has received $1,985,000 from the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Partnerships and Innovation Grants Round and $800,000 from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC).
Dr Katrina Wruck named 2025 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland
Dr Katrina Wruck, QUT research fellow in industrial chemistry and lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Physics with a passion for making the world a greener place has been named the 2025 Young Australian of the Year for Queensland.
Contact us
Contact the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for more information on our courses, research and staff.