It aims to create a network of regional nodes to increase science and innovation capability across the state and to leverage Queensland’s collective strengths providing all Queenslanders the opportunity to engage with science and innovation in meaningful ways.
The network will:
- enable individuals and community groups to participate in activities developed by the network nodes and by science and innovation champions within their local or regional communities
- have an engagement program developed by each node, offering meaningful impact
- focus on best-practice science and innovation engagement activities, education and translation of research for local communities
- enable collaboration between various science stakeholders including government, researchers, industry experts, local businesses, education providers and Queensland community groups
- provide opportunities for skills development and establish local networks that will drive growth and development in the science sector and innovation economy throughout regional Queensland.
The network is a joint initiative of Advance Queensland and the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, as well as local partner organisations.
Regional hubs and coordinators
Three regional nodes have been established in Darling Downs and South West (Toowoomba), Central Queensland (Gladstone/Rockhampton) and Far North Queensland (Cairns).
Each regional node is provided with funding of $70,000 over 12 months for four years to employ a regional coordinator and to support events, activities and projects that encourage Queenslanders’ participation and awareness of science and innovation within their region.
Local hosts in each node co-invest in delivery of the program to support and nurture innovation and science in their region.
This follows the successful 15-month pilot established with funding from the Queensland Government and local node co-investment. More than 4,000 participants including students, teachers, researchers and representatives from industry, business and startups attended 23 science and innovation events during the pilot phase.
Darling Downs and South West Queensland hub (Toowoomba)
- Led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)
- Coordinator is Alyce Lotz
- Phone: 07 4631 2576
- Email: ddsw@partnerupqld.com
- Available Tuesday to Friday
- Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network DDSW Region Facebook channel
Central Queensland hub (Gladstone)
- Led by CQ University
- Gladstone Coordinator is Elizabeth Andrews
- Phone: 07 4970 7395
- Email: cq_glt@partnerupqld.com
- Available Monday to Friday
- Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network CQ Region Facebook channel
Central Queensland hub (Rockhampton)
- Rockhampton Coordinator is Desley Pidgeon
- Phone: 0413 923 540
- Email: cq_rok@partnerupqld.com
- Available Monday to Friday
- Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network CQ Region Facebook channel
Far North Queensland hub (Cairns)
- Led by James Cook University
- Coordinator is Mel Varoy
- Phone: 0473 221 365
- Email: fnq@partnerupqld.com
- Available Monday to Thursday
- Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network FNQ Region Facebook channel
More information
Stay up to date on our social channels or website to find out what’s happening in each region and ways you can get involved. You can also visit the Office of the Chief Scientist’s website for more information about science-related initiatives.
The Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network is a key initiative under priority six of the Advance Queensland – Innovation for a Future Economy 2022-2032 Roadmap: Queensland has a well-connected, inclusive and thriving ecosystem. We are committed to activating locally-led opportunities aligned to the Innovation Roadmap priority outcomes and key initiatives, including the Deadly Innovation Strategy.
