Research Excellence

CQUniversity's research focus and engaged research agenda are already making positive impacts on individuals, communities and industries across the world. In coming years, this impact will continue to grow, expanding into new focus areas and transforming the way we think about current challenges. Our impact is demonstrated in improved industry processes, regional and economic development, business improvement, productivity and innovation, social advancement and equity and healthier communities.

From spinal cord injuries to astronaut fatigue, our research case studies show our diverse impact. Find a case study in your area of interest, or watch some of the below video examples.

• Dare to Dream - expanding opportunities for young Indigenous people through performing arts
• Choices Applied Theatre Research Project
• Institute for Future Farming Systems
• Precision Livestock Management
• Precision Horticulture
• Non-Invasive Sensor Systems
• Mask-Ed - a simulation modality for health care education
• 24 Hour Sexual Assault Response Trial
• Roadside Fire Hazard Detection Research
• 10,000 Steps - helping people to lead healthy lifestyles
• Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership
• Early Detection of Deterioration in the Elderly (EDDIE) Research Project
• Centre for Railway Engineering Research
• Microgrid Renewable Energy Research Project
• Fit4Two Program

Our research agenda is built around deep engagement with communities, industries and government.

In particular, the University is focused on delivery of research that is relevant to the northern Australia region.

To deliver great research that is meaningful and relevant, researchers work directly with stakeholders to identify challenges and deliver solutions. The end user is involved throughout the entire research project. This approach ensures our research delivers direct benefit and long-lasting impact.

CQUniversity is officially recognised as Australia's only Changemaker Campus by global social innovation group Ashoka U. The University achieved this reputation because of its strong engagement agenda and inclusive approach to the delivery of research, education and training.

Social innovation is about working with communities in a collaborative way, using a range of strategies, to find innovative and sustainable solutions to social needs or problems. Ultimately, the philosophy is driven by the simple need to improve lives and create positive change within the world around us.

CQUniversity also recognises and is committed to alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across a range of indicators. The University participates in the annual Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, and in 2021 was placed 29th in the world for SDG14, Life under Water. In the THE Impact assessment, CQUniversity was ranked in the top 200 universities in the world overall against the Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment to the UN SDGs underpins much of the University’s research endeavour and is demonstrated by the visible impact the University's research has on the communities and industries the University engages with.

The research conducted at CQUniversity helps to guide the design and delivery of learning and teaching. CQUniversity strives to achieve a connected approach to research, learning and teaching, believing that 'real-world' research impacts not only the community it operates in, but so too a student's experience across disciplines. This is evident in the way academics draw on their personal research in designing and teaching courses, where their research informs learning activities and academic discussion on contemporary issues. Research tasks are also embedded in many undergraduate coursework programs, providing students with opportunities to grow their understanding through knowledge creation.

• Regional economies and supply chains
• Work, employment, regulation and governance
• Sustainable business and community justice
• Education
  » Open and distance education
  » Creative education in the arts
  » Learning and assessment innovation for educational equity
  » STEM education
  » Education for global competence
  » Transformative education practices in professions
• Railway engineering
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Clean energy
  » Biofuels
• Pavement engineering
• Big data analytics
• Aviation human factors
• Healthy behaviours at work, rest and play
• Psychology and well‑being
  » Sleep and biological rhythms
  » Physical activity
  » Emergency and disaster resilience
  » Gambling and addictive behaviours
  » Regional health and health services
  » Human factors and safety science
• Agricultural systems
  » Agricultural management systems
  » Agricultural extension/translation
• Environmental systems
  » Environmental monitoring and management
• Exercise and sports science
• Applied medical health
  » Medical and applied physiology
  » Advanced clinical practice
• Quality and safety in healthcare
  » Patient safety and consumer experience
  » Clinician's capacity building
• Health workforce
  » Clinical workforce
  » Models of care
  » Preparation for, and transition to, practice
• Safe communities
  » Gendered violence
  » Violence, abuse and neglect
• Psychosocial wellbeing
  » Aged care
  » Individuals, families,and communities
  » Mental health nursing