About the Science Division

The Science Division provides leading-edge science, data, information, and services across four areas:

• Water and Catchments
• Coastal, Biodiversity and Information
• Science Development and Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist
• Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.

Water and Catchments and Coastal, Biodiversity and Information

The Water and Catchments and Coastal, Biodiversity and Information areas of the Science division are the Queensland Government's trusted source of scientific knowledge data, information and advice that supports decision making for environmental and natural resource management.

Our scientists are committed to delivering high quality reliable, accurate and transparent science. To do this, we collaborate with other research organisations, universities, other government science agencies, private and not-for-profit sectors. Our scientific methods, analytical processes and publications are independently assessed, peer reviewed and adhere to national standards and accreditations. Our data and information are aligned to the FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable).

The focus of our work is applied science across a range of environment and natural resource sectors:

• Air and climate monitoring
• Land and ecosystems
• Water and coastal

Across these areas we:

• provide scientific evidence to underpin policy development and meet legislative responsibilities of partner departments
• develop and maintain information systems, digital platforms and decision-support tools needed to support effective decision-making by government, industry and the community and
• conduct monitoring, modelling and assessment of the environment and natural resources to support sustainable development of the state.

We also host three large science and research facilities: Chemistry Centre, Queensland Government Hydraulics Laboratory and the Queensland Herbarium.

Science Development and Office of the Chief Scientist

We provide strategic leadership for the Queensland Government's science investment in universities and research institutes. We develop strategic science policy, plan for future science investment, administer and manage science related grant programs, and monitor and evaluate the investment in science and its impacts. We facilitate individual and institutional research linkages (both nationally and internationally). We showcase the capability of Queensland science, foster STEM engagement and encourage new collaborations and investment. The work of the branch makes a significant contribution to the Government’s aim to help solve global challenges, seize opportunities in growing markets, compete for investment dollars, and create the jobs of the future. The branch also includes the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist supporting the Queensland Chief Scientist.

Strategy, Policy and Evaluation

The Strategy, Policy and Evaluation team supports the development and delivery of evidence-based science policy, strategic projects and programs that help drive the Government’s vision for science and innovation in the State, that Queensland succeeds when our best ideas create impact.

The team also develops and delivers:

• science and research-industry funding programs and partnerships to support growth and excellence in Queensland’s science capabilities and research infrastructure including the National Indigenous Science Translation Centre
• robust evaluations and insights that inform program design, delivery and the monitoring of outcomes and strategic impact.

Strategy, Policy and Evaluation is a collaborative partner in the coordinated development of the Boggo Road Innovation Junction as one of the State’s leading science and innovation precincts.

The team administers legislation including the Gene Technology (Queensland) Act 2016, the Biodiscovery Act (2004) the Gene Technology Act (2001) and the Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics.

Science Partnerships and Development

The Science Partnerships and Development team supports the development of Queensland’s science sector by raising its profile in Queensland, Australia and internationally.

On behalf of the Queensland Government, Science Partnerships and Development develops and maintains international research collaboration agreements with China, Germany, and the USA. This includes attracting international co-investment in research in programs such as Queensland–Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program, Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Development and Seed Programs , the Queensland–Chinese Academy of Sciences Collaborative Science Fund and managing the Queensland Fellowship Programs with the Smithsonian Institution including the Cooper–Hewitt Museum in New York, USA.

The Science Partnerships and Development team showcases Queensland’s research strengths with the unique Queensland Science Capability Directory of research centres, institutes and precincts and fourteen key science area pages.

The team manages the Strategic Visualisation Tool that demonstrates Queensland’s research strengths and capabilities in seven emerging industries with global growth potential.

Quantum and Advanced Technologies

Established in 2024, the Quantum and Advanced Technologies team supports the growth of Queensland’s quantum and advanced technologies sector, maintaining the state’s leadership in deep technologies and translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications.

Key responsibilities

• Steward a $54.8 million investment portfolio to accelerate innovation, commercialisation, industry growth, and ecosystem development.
• Foster strategic partnerships across industry, research, government, and investment communities to attract investment and unlock new opportunities.
• Facilitate commercialisation pathways and industry adoption, helping innovative technologies transition from research and development into market-ready solutions.
• Support the growth of a connected and sustainable ecosystem through capability building, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Promote Queensland’s strengths nationally and internationally, enhancing the state's reputation as a leading destination for quantum and advanced technologies.

The team is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible ecosystem that creates opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and First Nations peoples, ensuring that all Queenslanders have the opportunity to benefit from the quantum revolution.

Chief Scientist Coordination and Engagement

Key responsibilities

• Support the priorities of the Queensland Chief Scientist through providing strategic advice and collaboration with Queensland stakeholders, as well as engaging the community and fostering STEM engagement efforts across the state.
• Engage the public to profile Queensland’s science capabilities and promote STEM careers and critical thinking in the community and connect STEM engagement professionals from across Queensland’s government, research and industry sectors to ensure engagement initiatives achieve maximum impact.
• Lead initiatives such as the Queensland STEM Engagement Grants and the Flying Scientists program.
• Deliver the Queensland Women in STEM Prize and Inspiring Australia Queensland in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Develop emerging STEM programs under the Ideas into Impact science and innovation strategy

We provide coordination support for the Queensland Chief Scientist for key Forums and Committees which foster science partnerships across research, industry, government and community organisations and provide support which enables the Chief Scientist promote STEM participation.

We support the research and education ecosystems to improve STEM uptake and recognise and celebrate STEM professionals.

Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist

The Queensland Chief Scientist is a whole-of-government position that sits within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. It provides independent high-level strategic advice to the state government on the role of science, research and innovation to meet Queensland’s challenges. The Queensland Chief Scientist has three key responsibilities:

• to lead the development of science strategy across government and deliver evidence-based scientific advice to government
• to increase engagement and participation of the Queensland community in science-based activities
• to promote Queensland science.

As an ambassador for Queensland science, the Queensland Chief Scientist fosters cooperation and collaboration amongst the government, research, industry and community sectors and champions the importance of science, to the economy, environment and social wellbeing. The Queensland Chief Scientist promotes Queensland’s leadership in scientific research, partnerships and translation.

As part of the role, the Queensland Chief Scientist participates in a range of committees and forums.