Our research agenda

QUT’s vision is to be the university for the real world and Connections – the QUT Strategy 2023 to 2027 outlines our ambitions to provide research relevant to our communities. We are proud of our rapid rise to become a leading research-intensive university, however, we are not resting on our laurels. We have more work to do.

Research excellence with real-world impact and relevance

Real-world research intensity

Increased capacity for transformative research with real-world relevance.

We will focus collaborative effort in Connections priority areas, and build research intensity through our research strengths, by embracing diversity and inclusion, and by supporting researchers with world-class infrastructure.

Relevance, quality and impact

Partnerships and high-quality research outputs with societal impact.

We will:

  • prioritise partnerships and the quality of our research outputs to enhance our reputation, relevance and impact
  • facilitate co-creation and co-authorship, and focus on the real-world difference our research can make
  • ensure our research outputs remain trusted and respected by upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

Real-world research training

World-class research training that supports employability in the global workforce.

We will inspire a growing and diverse cohort of research students and provide them with the tailored training, support and facilities they need to flourish in an intellectually stimulating and inclusive environment.

Our priorities

QUT’s research will focus a series of priorities that integrate and align our different plans and activities, express our aspirations, state and reinforce our values, exploit our distinctiveness, and reflect our refreshed vision as the university for the real world.

Aspiration and Inclusion

We will work to become the most gender-equitable university in Australia and support outstanding educational research.

Creativity and Entrepreneurship

QUT will encourage researchers to explore their creativity and leverage it for career
development, entrepreneurship and innovation to create value for organisations and the community.

Digital Transformation and Technology

At QUT we embrace digital transformation and enhance our research strengths in scientific and creative fields that enable digital transformation including mathematics, IT, robotics, statistics and data analytics. We strive to generate applications addressing interdisciplinary problems in health, law, business, the economy, society and the environment.

Health and Wellbeing

We seek to create inclusive environments that empower a strong, supportive and diverse community of researchers.

Indigenous Australian Engagement, Success and Empowerment

In partnership with QUT’s Carumba Institute, we will implement a new Indigenous Research Strategy, and grow Indigenous-led research and research respectfully co-designed with Indigenous Australians.

Professional Engagement and Ethical Leadership

We pursue partnerships with industry and engagement with community to enable courses to draw upon current real-world practice and innovation.

Sustainability and the Environment

QUT is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and will demonstrate this commitment by enhancing research aimed at mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change, extending the public understanding of environmental challenges and partnering with industry to develop new ways of lighting, feeding and moving the world.