About the Science Division

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

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

Water and Catchments and Climate, Biodiversity and Information

The Water and Catchments and Climate, Biodiversity and Information areas of the Science division are the Queensland Government's trusted source of scientific knowledge, 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 economic 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

There are four teams in the Science Development and Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist branch.

The three teams of Science Development 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 and encourage new collaborations and investment. The work of Science Development 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 Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist leads the development of science strategy across government, delivers evidence-based scientific advice, increase community engagement and participation science-based activities and supports the Queensland Chief Scientist.

Science Policy and Evaluation

The Strategy, Policy and Evaluation team develops and delivers science and research-industry funding programs to support growth and excellence in Queensland’s science capabilities and research infrastructure. These include co-investment programs such as the DES R&D Linkage Opportunities 2023, and the Research Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund.

Strategy, Policy and Evaluation is the lead support for the coordinated development of the Princess Alexandra Hospital/Boggo Road Innovation Precinct as one of the State’s leading knowledge precincts.

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

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 and 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 industry, maintaining the state’s leadership in deep technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the $76 million Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, ensuring its goals are met efficiently and effectively.
• Plan and manage a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at accelerating the quantum and advanced technologies sector, encouraging technological innovation and facilitating sectoral growth.
• Facilitate new industry opportunities by fostering collaborations and maximising strategic and operational activities to meet immediate and future demands.
• Strengthen the state’s global reputation by showcasing Queensland as a leader in quantum and advanced technologies.

We address local, national, and global challenges through initiatives that foster research collaboration, facilitate commercialisation pathways, and support economic, technological, and societal progress. Our team is committed to promoting participation and accessibility for underrepresented groups, including women and First Nations people. By collaborating with science and innovation stakeholders, we build a foundation for future careers in Queensland’s thriving quantum and advanced technologies ecosystem.

Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist

The Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist (OQCS) 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.

We promote Queensland science and research and engage with science and innovation stakeholders to increase research collaboration and commercialisation. Our work supports the state’s economic, technological and societal progress.

We promote increased scientific literacy, especially in young people, to build the foundation for the jobs of the future and nurture interest across STEM industries, ensure participation in STEM studies and careers and foster science literacy enabling Queenslanders to explore and examine ideas and be better informed.

We support the Queensland Chief Scientist to provide science strategy advice including through undertaking reviews, conducting annual R&D data for Queensland Government expenditure and through development of specific strategies and policies.

As an ambassador for Queensland science, the Queensland Chief Scientist fosters cooperation and collaboration amongst the government, research, industry and community sectors; raising Queensland's profile as a smart region characterised by world class research and investment opportunities; and engaging the community in better understanding the importance of science, research and innovation in the state's future economic, social and environmental wellbeing.