Future Queensland Science Strategy 2024–2029

Science and innovation are critical to Queensland’s future prosperity and delivering better outcomes for our environment, our economy and our people.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation is working across government, the research sector and industry to grow an innovative and thriving science sector that has the scale, quality and diversity to deliver real-world impact.

The Future Queensland Science Strategy 2024–2029 (the strategy)  provides the framework for how we will support Queensland’s world leading scientists to develop commercial opportunities, accelerate decarbonisation, protect our natural environment, and drive innovation in key sectors such as agriculture, health and mining.

The strategy’s vision is to generate and translate Queensland science into new industries and investment, attract science talent, support economic and jobs growth particularly in the regions, and attract and maintain a skilled science workforce.

By outlining our priorities, we are better positioned to leverage external funding and key partnerships to ensure Queensland remains competitive and continues to deliver globally significant science outcomes.

The strategy complements the government’s ongoing commitments to science including $89.7 million for the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy and the Queensland Quantum Academy, $41 million for three rounds of the Research Infrastructure Co-investment Fund,  our Science into Industry programs and more than $3 million for Engaging Science Grants to increase public participation in science activities.

It also supports the delivery of the Advance Queensland Innovation for a Future Economy 2022– 2032 Roadmap with a focus on transforming our economy through innovation.

The Science Advisory Council Queensland, chaired by the Chief Scientist, will be established to guide the state’s science priorities and advise on national and international opportunities for research, funding, development and translation.

Investment will be targeted through five strategic priority pillars:

  • Pillar 1 Talent—Train, attract and retain the skilled people needed for a vibrant science ecosystem
    • Increase the diversity and inclusiveness of the science workforce in Queensland, including First Nations talent.
    • Attract and retain the best talent by encouraging large scale research collaboration to support high value jobs.
    • Recognise and reward outstanding talent and support researcher pathways to industry and entrepreneurship.
  • Pillar 2 Infrastructure—Grow Queensland’s science infrastructure and capabilities
    • Expand and sustain world-class scientific infrastructure growth that aligns with Queensland’s priorities.
    • Support strategic use and sharing of research infrastructure.
    • Advance opportunities for existing and new knowledge driven precincts, including regional precincts.
  • Pillar 3 Partnerships—Maintain Queensland’s leadership position in science
    • Support collaborative projects involving research, industry, government and entrepreneurs.
    • Increase opportunities for business and industry investment in science.
    • Leverage precinct capabilities to develop and support collaborations.
    • Enhance Queensland science’s connections to the rest of the Australia and the world.
    • Partner with First Nations peoples and communities to deliver Indigenous led scientific solutions, embedding, valuing and acknowledging cultural knowledge and its connections to western science.
  • Pillar 4 Translation—Support initiatives and attract investments to facilitate translation of science
    • Maximise impact by supporting projects having a translational component, including enhancing Queensland’s economy and protecting its environment and lifestyle.
    • Encourage and support the clear link between science, policy and innovative solutions.
    • Support, grow and amplify partnerships and intellectual property models, which include protections for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.
  • Pillar 5 Community—Empower community awareness and engagement in science
    • Increase public awareness and appreciation of science and innovation, including acknowledgement of First Nations cultural knowledge in local communities and its connections to western science.
    • Promote the importance of science literacy and critical thinking skills.
    • Grow opportunities for scientists to engage with the community.
    • Promote STEM careers to increase the pipeline for the jobs of the future.

The Queensland Government is investing in science and research across diverse fields to deliver prosperity for the state.

A full list of Queensland Government initiatives that contribute to the pillars can be found in Appendix 1 of the strategy.

Key Department of Environment, Science and Innovation initiatives

Talent

Infrastructure

Partnerships

Translation

Community