Queensland Science and Research Priorities
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Queensland Science and
Research Priorities
Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist
October 2014
This document has been produced after extensive consultation with government,
industry and other stakeholders The Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist
would like to thank all involved for their assistance in producing this work.
V. 08.10.2014About this document
The Queensland Government has released a Science and Innovation Action Plan1, along
with a Science and Innovation Investment Framework2 which includes the Science and
Innovation Investment Principles. These documents outline the government’s policies for
using science and innovation to drive economic success in Queensland.
The Science and Innovation Action Plan is a blueprint to:
use applied science, technology and innovation to turn great ideas into great
opportunities
transform the state into a world leading centre of creativity, productivity and knowledge
ensure that Queensland’s world-class science and research capability is now effectively
translated into practice through positive outcomes that will contribute to the lives of all
Queenslanders.
To ensure any future investments provide value for money and are well aligned with
Queensland Government objectives, the Queensland Chief Scientist has reviewed
Queensland’s science and research priorities to ensure they are focused on well-defined
areas, and reflect identified needs and activities considered important by the government.
These priorities in this document also align with the 30 year Queensland Plan vision and the
15 Strategic Research Priorities for Australia.
They have been developed through consultation across government, with the university and
research sector, and with industry. Recognising fiscal constraints, it will not be possible for
government to provide additional funding for all these areas. Choices by government will
have to be made in the short term. These choices will be informed by the investment
principles and independent advice to the Science Minister from the Science and Innovation
Advisory Council, chaired by the Queensland Chief Scientist.
While the ten Science and Research priorities outlined in this document (see page 5) have
been formally approved by the Queensland Government, we welcome feedback on the detail
around each - and updated versions will be published periodically.
On pages 3 and 4, are the four ‘Decision Rules’ for investment (or R.E.D.S.). In essence,
these rules guide our evaluation, prioritisation and decision-making around future
investment. As with the Science and Research Priorities, these rules have been developed
after extensive consultation.
1
Science and Innovation Action Plan (http://www.qld.gov.au/dsitia/assets/documents/science-innovation-
action-plan.pdf)
2
Science and Innovation Investment Framework (http://www.qld.gov.au/dsitia/assets/documents/science-
innovation-framework.pdf)
Queensland Science and Research Priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 1Contents The R.E.D.S. Decision Rules 3 R.E.D.S. Definitions 4 Queensland Science and Research Priorities 5 Developing and delivering enhanced production technologies, tools and practices to help grow productivity, reduce waste and add value to our four pillar sectors: resources (including energy and mining), construction, tourism and agriculture (including food). 6 Remain internationally competitive by attracting and retaining science and research talent. This will be done through early-career researcher support programs in priority areas and by encouraging research-focussed mobility and effective translation between industry, academia and government 12 Protecting our biodiversity and heritage: marine and terrestrial 15 Natural advantage clean(er) - and renewable - energy technologies development (e.g. gas, solar, biofuels) 18 Ensuring the sustainability of our physical and especially our digital infrastructure critical for research and - correspondingly - strategically leveraging national programs (including making use of ‘big data’) 21 Building resilience and managing climate risk, through the design and development of construction technologies for extreme weather event resistance (floods, cyclones, droughts), particularly in tropical environments 23 Early detection, treatment, and (ultimately) prevention of age-related and Queensland dominant diseases (e.g. skin, tropical) 26 Improving health data management and services delivery (including telemedicine) 29 Ensuring sustainable water use and delivering quality/water security in a variable climate and in a resources-intensive economy 31 Digitally-enabled technologies, e.g. the development and application of advanced modelling, visualisation, sensing and simulation technologies, tools and practices, including robotics 33 Acronyms 35 Queensland Science and Research Priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 2
The R.E.D.S. Decision Rules
The Queensland Government invests in research and development (R&D), and partners with
Queensland’s universities and research institutions, in order to deliver practical research to
unlock the state’s potential and enable Queenslanders to share in the full benefits of
successful resource use.
Queensland will continue to build the state’s practical and applied scientific and technology
capability, and capitalise on its natural and intellectual resources to boost the Four Pillars of
the economy – agriculture, resources, construction and tourism.
While much of the required knowledge and many of the tools can be adopted from national
and international sources, Queensland has specific issues and opportunities which impact its
economy, environment and its residents’ health and wellbeing and which require focused
R&D efforts.
To support better assessment and targeted investment in science and research, the
‘R.E.D.S.’ Decision Rules were developed The rules can be used to assess an entire
portfolio or a single project and taken together with the Investment Principles outlined in the
Science and Innovation Investment Framework2 aim to create a viable and resilient research
and innovation community that delivers great outcomes for all Queenslanders and positions
Queensland on the national and global stages.
The Science and research investment decision rules (R.E.D.S.) are:
Real future impact: What will be the tangible benefit for Queensland, and how long will
it take to happen?
External commitment: What is the involvement of, and commitment from, your external
collaborative partners and end-users?
Distinctive angle: What is in it for Queensland, and why is Queensland the place to
conduct the research?
Scaling towards critical mass: How, and with whom, will you be collaborating on your
research, locally (i.e. state-wide) as well as nationally or internationally, to achieve
quality and significant capability in Queensland?
Queensland Science and Research Priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 3R.E.D.S. Definitions
Real Future Impact
What will be the tangible benefit for Queensland, and how long will it take to happen?
The impact can be economic, environmental and/or social.
Impact needs to be measurable and advocates should propose the best metric(s) in
each domain.
The mechanism for knowledge exchange and translation of research findings to the
commercial/policy/end use environment is planned, up front, and continually ‘top of
mind’.
External Commitment
What is the involvement of, and commitment from, your external collaborative partners and
end-users?
Capital and resources (including Leadership and manpower) must actually be
committed, not contingent (or promised).
The share of external contributions will typically increase over time, and should be
planned accordingly.
Commitment should be sufficient to see the project through to effective translation.
Distinctive Angle
What is in it for Queensland, and why is Queensland the place to conduct the research?
Distinctiveness might be based either on natural, comparative advantage(s) and/or
uniqueness of the research direction.
Distinctiveness should not readily be imitated by others.
Quality of the proposal, proposers and collaborators is pivotal; track record is the best
indicator of future performance in this regard.
Consistency with national objectives - for example helping build relevant national
capacity - requires due consideration.
Scaling towards critical mass
How, and with whom, will you be collaborating on your research, locally (i.e. state-wide) as
well as nationally and/or internationally, to achieve quality and significant capability in
Queensland?
Collaboration and (potentially) co-location are to be rewarded. This should not only
include collaboration between researchers and researchers, but also researchers and
end-users or industry.
People mobility, ‘both ways’, is key to quality translation and knowledge exchange (for
commercial, policy and end use uptake).
Critical mass, and significance, needs to be measured in both a detailed manner, as well
as a global manner. We need to be particular. For example, we should assess our
specific capabilities in ‘gene silencing’ in a global context, rather than assessing our
‘biotech’ capacity in the region.
Queensland Science and Research Priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 4Queensland Science and Research Priorities
Developing and delivering enhanced production technologies, tools and practices to
help grow productivity, reduce waste and add value to our four pillar sectors: resources
(including energy and mining), construction, tourism, and agriculture (including food).
(page6)
Remain internationally competitive by attracting and retaining science and research
talent. This will be done through early-career researcher support programs in priority
areas and by encouraging research-focussed mobility and effective translation
between industry, academia and government. (page 12)
Protecting our biodiversity and heritage: marine and terrestrial. (page 15)
Natural advantage clean(er) - and renewable - energy technologies development
(e.g. gas, solar, biofuels). (page 18)
Ensuring the sustainability of our physical and especially our digital infrastructure
critical for research and - correspondingly - strategically leveraging national programs
(including making use of ‘big data’). (page 21)
Building resilience and managing climate risk, through the design and development
of construction technologies for extreme weather event resistance (floods, cyclones,
droughts), particularly in tropical environments. (page 23)
Early detection, treatment, and (ultimately) prevention of age-related and Queensland
dominant diseases (e.g. skin, tropical). (page 26)
Improving health data management and services delivery (including telemedicine).
(page 29)
Ensuring sustainable water use and delivering quality/water security in a variable
climate and in a resources-intensive economy. (page 31)
Digitally-enabled technologies, e.g. the development and application of advanced
modelling, visualisation, sensing and simulation technologies, tools and practices,
including robotics. (page 34)
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 5Science and Research Priority Developing and delivering enhanced production technologies, tools and practices to help grow productivity, reduce waste and add value to our four pillar sectors: resources (including energy and mining), construction, tourism and agriculture (including food). In Summary A long term driver of more than 60 per cent of Australia’s productivity growth, innovation has the greatest potential to increase the state’s productivity. In 2011-12 the Four Pillar sectors comprised 26 per cent of the $258 billion Gross State Product (GSP) and every one of them has considerable potential to grow. Each of these sectors has ambitious targets, where well-focused research agendas and close cooperation with industry can, and should, play a key role in the development and application of innovative productivity-enhancing technologies and processes. Correspondingly, a commitment to reducing waste (for example, across the whole food cycle, currently estimated to be approaching 40% worldwide) and a relentless search for innovations that add value to our bountiful natural resources will help fuel economic growth. A number of Queensland-based research institutes are already well-placed and have the capacity and capability to help drive innovation and boost productivity and competitiveness. Why should this be a Science and Research Priority for Queensland? What is the problem we are trying to solve? Queensland’s resource endowment (second only to Western Australia) could lead the nation in providing wealth and energy security. Tapping this potential requires technologies and tools to improve prospectivity, productivity and public confidence, ensuring that resources are developed responsibly and accountably in concert with agriculture, food production and tourism. The state has well-established agricultural industries and land suitable for agriculture in tropical areas that could support substantial increases in production. Sustainable development of these regions requires significant research, development and innovation to realise their agricultural potential. Subtle changes in environmental conditions driven by a variable climate, on-farm efficiencies and changing dietary preferences create important opportunities to integrate new production systems and technologies into this dynamic environment. The Queensland Resources Council has calculated that, in 2011-12, the resources sector injected some $36 billion into the Queensland economy, easily surpassing the $25.5 billion total from 2010-11. This sector has well established projects already underway with more to be developed in the future. Supporting this sector are substantial research and educational capabilities available at various universities. As we further develop this sector, this research is essential to deliver innovative technologies and new infrastructure, provide water security and reliability, minimise environmental implications and reduce our energy and water footprint. The construction sector’s activities include building construction, heavy and civil engineering construction and construction services. In 2011–12, the construction sector directly contributed nearly $24 billion of Queensland’s gross value in current prices. Long term planning to accommodate Queensland’s future population growth in an environmentally sustainable way will be crucial to the construction pillar’s development. As we invest in the resources sector, build more infrastructure and develop arable land, the balance between Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 6
sustainable and economic development will be essential in advancing Queensland’s
economy.
Tourism in Queensland contributes $22 billion to the Queensland economy and accounts for
7.8 per cent of Queensland’s GSP. It is also the second largest export earner for
Queensland, behind coal3. Building tourism is everybody’s business. We need to use
education and engagement to develop sustainable communities which provide ongoing
investment into activities which inform tourism-related matters. The Queensland Drive
Tourism Strategy 2013-15 action plan4 aims to identify the research gaps that exist within
industry partnerships; and commission further research to address tourism priorities, as
appropriate.
What opportunities exist in Queensland?
Queensland’s unconventional gas resources may be larger than any other state and have
the potential to provide the state and the nation with a cleaner transitional energy source that
will replace coal for the coming decades, while delivering great wealth from export earnings.
The state’s potential geothermal energy resources are unparalleled. Vast tracts of
Queensland’s energy resources are largely underexplored, but may host Australia’s next
supergiant ore deposit on the scale of South Australia’s Olympic Dam Mine (the largest
known single deposit of uranium in the world, producing 6 per cent of the world’s uranium).
Growing Asian economies will drive demand for our agricultural products and we are well
located to expand our agricultural output and produce more high value products for this
market. Expansion of agriculture and food production requires the development of new plant
and animal varieties and new farming systems to sustainably deliver new products.
The Queensland Government is continuously upgrading hard infrastructure (including roads
and energy networks) while also supporting soft infrastructure development (for example,
research and development, and innovation) - the key to growing a knowledge-based
economy. It is essential that we focus on driving cooperative funding models that maximise
private investment, and ensuring major projects are built on time and to budget.
Tourism directly accounts for 5.4 per cent of Queensland jobs and directly contributes $8.4
billion or 3.1 per cent to Queensland’s GSP. Within the tourism pillar the Queensland
Government aims to increase annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30
billion by 2020. To achieve this target the tourism sector will need to continue to innovate. It
will need to harness new opportunities and manage new risks, which will require imaginative
thinking and evidence-based choices5.
What is the current activity in this area in Queensland and who are the main players?
Queensland leads the nation in Coal Seam Gas (CSG) production and will hold this position
until shale gas reserves are more broadly developed. Energy and minerals research is
conducted at UQ, QUT, JCU, CSIRO and the Geological Survey of Queensland. The
Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence and CSIRO conduct geothermal
research. Autonomous systems supporting energy and minerals exploration and production
are studied at QUT and by CSIRO’s Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies
(QCAT).
3
Tourism Facts and Figures (2013)
http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/research%20%28NEW%29/Summary%20Visitor%20Statistics/13_June_Tourism_Facts
_and_Figures.pdf
4
Queensland Drive Tourism Strategy 2013-15
http://www.dtesb.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/31605/2163_Queensland-Drive-Tourism-Strategy_web.pdf
5
Hajkowicz SA, Cook H, Boughen N (2013) The Future of Tourism in Queensland. Megatrends creating opportunities and
challenges over the coming twenty years. CSIRO, Australia.
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 7UQ is a global top ten university in agriculture6. QAAFI is a world-leading institute in tropical
agriculture and food production using genetics and biotechnology. Considerable expertise
supporting animal and plant health, especially tropical diseases and pests, exists in UQ,
QAAFI, the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and
CSIRO. QAAFI joined CSIRO and DAFF in the Northern Beef Research Alliance.
The Queensland Government has invested $4.9 billion in R&D and innovation over 13 years
(1998 - 2011) which has supported more than 40 new research institutes and created
construction opportunities. In addition, Queensland has built considerable road, public and
rail transport, port, air, sea, digital and energy infrastructure. A significant $1.75 billion capital
program has been committed to health projects for 2013-14. Significant research underlies
the development of this state’s construction industry, with expertise at UQ’s Global Change
Institute (GCI), Griffith University’s Sir Samuel Griffith Centre and QUT’s Sustainable Built
Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc). Queensland also has capacity in this area
with the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA), the Cooperative
Research Centre (CRC) for Advanced Composite Structures, and the Queensland Centre
for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM).
Traditionally, tourism research is comprised of market surveys and data collection. However,
research in other priority areas can innovate and influence the growth and success of the
tourism industry. For example, research in the area of the built environment which provides
secure and safe solutions for cyclone prone regions; research on sustainability which
delivers benefits to both the environment and ecotourism operators; heritage research which
delivers new possibilities and value add locations for tourists. The Queensland Government
is undertaking significant activity in the tourism area with research by Department of National
Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing and the Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection supporting our national parks, and assessing and monitoring biodiversity to
ensure ecosystem health. The Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Tourism
Industry Council and the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the
Commonwealth Games have signed a partnership agreement to drive tourism projects.
What is the proposed scope of the science and research activity for Queensland?
Energy: Monitoring fugitive emissions using greenhouse gas and air quality sensor
networks; minimising the environmental footprint and effects on water quality7 (i.e. treatment
of CSG produced water); developing best practice techniques for drilling, hydraulic fracture
and well completion for gas; delivering evidence based advice to public about risks and
rewards associated with resource exploration, production and/or use; monitoring quantity,
quality, flow and recharge using hydrological sensor networks; treating mine water
discharges and surplus water such as that from CSG production5; and reducing surface
footprint for gas production infrastructure (including coal gasification impact research).
Mining: Developing automated core characterisation; enabling next-generation autonomous
exploration tools, improving mining and port infrastructure systems; processing minerals
using next-generation online tools; removing miners from hazardous environments (safe and
healthy resources industry8), replacing fly-in fly-out workers with automated operations;
reducing energy needs; sustainably and productively use of land and water resources8; and
producing zero-waste minerals.
Agriculture: Securing and increasing resource availability; driving productivity growth
across the supply chain; minimising the costs of production; sustainably producing new plant
6
QS World University Rankings by Subject http://www.iu.qs.com/university-rankings/subject-tables/
7
Queensland’s water sector: a 30-year strategy, Discussion paper: Shaping our water future
http://www.dews.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/31144/30yr-water-strategy-discussion-paper.pdf
8
Department of Natural Resources and Mines Strategic Plan 2013–2017,
http://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/81497/dnrm-strategic-plan.pdf
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 8and animal varieties produced with attributes attracting premium9; developing technologies
to support production of novel high value food and biomaterials using farm produce with
unique attributes; reducing waste - and better managing the waste we do produce.
Construction: Developing best practice in managing a balance between growth and
environment protection, new designs in technologies and advanced materials.
Tourism: Using the Queensland Drive Tourism Strategy 2013-15 to partner with industry to
identify existing research gaps; and commissioning further research to address tourism
priorities, as appropriate.
How does any proposed investment in this priority satisfy the R.E.D.S. decision
rules?
Real future impact: Better knowledge, management and protection of our environment, and
more sustainable use of the state’s resources; become a leader in sustainable resource
management7; double Queensland’s agricultural production and provide lower cost, higher-
quality food to consumers and to boost the economic performance and environmental
sustainability of the Queensland food and agri-business sector9; achieve the goal of $30
billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2020 for Queensland.
External commitment: Our university and government research providers have traditionally
been engaged with the resources sector. Targeted federal and industry funding has been
obtained by major players. International and national research links are robust and
strengthening, for example, Collaborative Research Networks is designed to develop the
research capacity of smaller, less research-intensive and regional higher education
institutions. It encourages these institutions to adapt to a research system driven by
performance outcomes by teaming up with other institutions in areas of common interest.
Research outcomes in resources and mining are delivered by the business sector with
strong linkages with universities. As an example, JKTech, the commercial arm of UQ, has
established an office overseas in an effort to bring discoveries to the industry sooner.
Similarly, CRC Mining, headquartered in Brisbane, has been collaborating and facilitating
industrial-research collaborative activities for two decades.
Our leading position in tropical and sub-tropical agricultural research will drive increasing
global investment. Queensland should maintain this lead. In addition, various large federal
funded infrastructure projects are underway. With growing confidence, Queensland could
encourage direct investment from the private sector to match public investment through an
industry focus. Leading expertise already exists with the Centre for Tropical Crops and
Biocommodities at QUT, QAAFI, the Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit - a
collaborative organisation with researchers from CSIRO, UQ and the Queensland
Government.
Significant research underlies the development of this state’s construction industry, with
expertise at GCI, GU. SBEnrc (the former CRC for Construction Innovation) is also active in
the state. Queensland also has capacity in this area with the ARCAA, CRC for Advanced
Composite Structures, and AMPAM.
Distinctive angle: Our natural advantages include a vast resource endowment and world-
class research centres. Queensland has a unique production environment and biodiversity
that can contribute to clean, safe, high-value agriculture, with enormous potential for
technology development internationally. We also have the leading position Queensland
plays in tropical and sub-tropical agriculture.
9
Agri-Science Queensland (http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/research/strategy-and-direction)
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 9There is an enormous potential for Queensland to contribute development technologies
towards other parts of the globe, for example, sub-tropical and dry land farming systems,
and capacity development and food security.
Our construction space is strongly supported by the other four pillar industries as well as
industries like defence and aviation. The aviation industry has helped develop in Brisbane a
strong knowledge, training and R&D base. Queensland is leading Australia's hypersonic
research, with various collaborations - including one between the Defence Science and
Technology Organisation (DSTO), UQ and Boeing Defence Australia on the Hypersonics
International Flight Research Experimentation project10.
Engineering is a growing component of the Queensland economy. The resizing of the
resources industry in Queensland and the associated increase in infrastructure is driving an
increase in the demand for both engineering services and professional engineers. With
appropriate investment, there is the potential to add 35,000 professional jobs and $10 billion
per year to the Queensland economy, with Brisbane becoming a world engineering city and
a centre of excellence for the global provision of engineering services.
The increasing wealth and population growth in the tropical and sub-tropical world - and the
likely environmental impacts of these trends - is escalating demand for a range of
environmental and urban development services. These include the provision of: energy
efficient buildings; liveable cities; storm-resistant infrastructure; ecotourism villages; clean
water and sewerage treatment systems; transportation systems; power generation,
transmission and distribution systems; and technologies to adapt to climate change. As one
of the few developed regions within the tropics and sub-tropics, Queensland is well placed to
capitalise on this emerging global demand. This may become of greater significance as
tropical nations become increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events and climate
change11.
Queensland’s tropical location also provides a unique biodiversity which makes it a highly
sought-after tourist attraction. It has stunning natural assets and a rich and diverse cultural
heritage which provide ideal foundations for the region to become a significant tourism
destination.
Scaling towards critical mass: Brisbane is already recognised internationally for its
research in the minerals and energy field. Through a host of institutes and joint ventures,
such as QCAT and UQ’s SMI, CSIRO, UQ and QUT have a critical mass of research
providers to develop the requisite new technologies and bring them to commercial success.
The UQ-Queensland Government alliance through QAAFI has established the basis for a
world leading position for Queensland in agricultural research. Proposed expansion of the
QAAFI model to establish further critical mass will ensure this position is retained long term.
The Queensland Government has identified tourism as one of the Four Pillars of
Queensland’s economy and is committed to ensuring Queensland regains its rightful place
as Australia’s pre-eminent tourist destination. The sustainable development of tourism in all
Queensland regions over the next few years to 2020 will require effective industry,
government and stakeholder engagement, and require further research and analysis of
tourism12. Underpinning this is the research that is performed in other priority areas that
supports a sustainable, clean, and innovative Queensland.
10
http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/research-and-training/economic-development/research-and-training.html
11
Engineering Queensland: The Smart Engineering State http://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/assets/the-smart-engineering-
state-report.pdf
12
Tourism and Events Queensland Strategic Plan 2013-2017
http://www.tq.com.au/fms/tq_corporate/Resource%20Centre/Plans%20and%20Strategies/2013-
17%20Tourism%20and%20Events%20Queensland%20Strategic%20Plan.PDF
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 10What is a suitable (SMART13) target for this science and research activity?
Energy: tools and infrastructure for: environmentally responsible development of
unconventional gas resources which replace coal-fired power generation with closed cycle
gas generation and export wealth creation; exploiting geothermal systems; generating export
wealth from environmentally responsible development of metallurgical coal reserves.
Mining: tools and infrastructure for: exploring and discovering new mineral deposits to fill the
depleted pipeline of the state’s known mineral resources; building the next generation
autonomous and/or remotely operated systems for surface and underground mining;
removing miners from hazardous environments; developing remote operation technologies.
Agriculture: increasing support for significant expansion in agricultural biotechnology
(agricultural and food genomics), plant and animal health, bioinformatics, modelling, remote
sensing and automation in agriculture and food production; developing value added, high
value and novel foods based upon local competitive advantages.
Construction: increasing support for research in building sustainable infrastructure;
establishing greater connections between industry and research institutions; improving
performance of the built environment through enhanced ecological efficiencies; improving
operational, functional and business outcomes; delivering economic, environmental and
social benefits to the built environment industry through reductions in risks and costs and
improved productivity.
Tourism: delivering great connection between industry and research institutions; recognising
the impact other industries have on our tourist destinations and delivering solutions to reduce
this impact; developing holistic strategic partnerships with businesses in order to develop
sustainable ecotourism opportunities for Queensland and ensure priority area industries
support this goal.
13
SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 11Science and Research Priority Remain internationally competitive by attracting and retaining science and research talent. This will be done through early-career researcher support programs in priority areas and by encouraging research-focussed mobility and effective translation between industry, academia and government. In Summary Queensland’s ability to recruit and retain research talent is contingent on the presence and viability of world-class research institutes, with which we are relatively well equipped. World- class researchers need world-class facilities to be competitive in their research, and to attract further funding. Good momentum has been built in the state and this should be capitalised on as continuity is both cheaper and more efficient than discontinuity. Numerous examples exist around the globe of top-class researchers relocating to research organisations - and environments - that possess relevant areas of research excellence. Providing attractive and internationally- competitive remuneration and research support is also critical. Early-career and mid-career researchers of high international standard and potential also aspire to be located in high performance research entities which provide access to cutting edge research capabilities, as well as top quality mentors. Mechanisms and frameworks that provide greater cooperation and teamwork across academia, industry and government in Queensland are also needed to increase researcher mobility and allow better cross-fertilization of ideas and, in particular, much more rapid and effective translation of research outputs through to business outcomes and opportunities. Why should this be a Science and Research Priority for Queensland? What is the problem we are trying to solve? Human capital is the greatest asset of any community, so a talent-driven innovation system is a critical element of a nation’s competitive advantage. Key strategies for sustaining the state’s long term economic growth can include an attractive program that delivers job security and research support so young staff may be bold, ambitious and visionary with their career plans, and align themselves with a critical mass of world-class research. There should be considerably more effort put into setting up joint ventures, and in developing strategic alliances between research providers, businesses and government. We need to create the correct conditions and settings necessary to incubate new ideas in an end-user context. Also, there is a need for accountability in the expenditure of public research funding through the ‘translation’ of research to achieve practical outcomes of benefit to society, the economy and the policy context. What opportunities exist in Queensland? Previous state investment has already established one of Australia’s best pools of research talent, along with several world-class hubs of research excellence. There is tremendous scope to consolidate the state’s competitive advantage, and amplify its position through new strategic investments. Businesses throughout the state have the opportunity to enter into enduring partnerships with research providers. Assistance should be provided by the government to nurture businesses, especially small businesses, into long-term partnerships which are globally competitive and which enhance researcher engagement. Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 12
The Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts (DSITIA) is also working to help foster strong science collaborations with China in the area of energy, human health and medical research, agricultural biotechnology and food safety, as part of the Q-CAS Collaborative Science Fund with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. What is the current activity in this area in Queensland and who are the main players? The Queensland research sector has excellent relationships with business and government, but these activities must be scaled up if we are to deliver translational research of high benefit and value to Queensland. For this reason, long-term partnerships must be fostered by all parties. Examples of agreements already in existence include: The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) - The University of Queensland (UQ) and Royal Brisbane Hospital The Translational Research Institute (TRI) - UQ, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Diamantina Institute, Biopharmaceuticals Australia The Ecosciences Precinct - Queensland Government, CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and UQ through the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (QIMR Berghofer) - partnered with UQ, Queensland Government and with philanthropic support from Clive Berghofer The Maths in Industry Study Group Workshop 2014 - leading applied mathematicians, statisticians, physical scientists and engineers from universities, the public and the private sector from across Australia, New Zealand and around the world which will meet at QUT The Queensland Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative - established to help enable construction and operation of a sustainable biofuel manufacturing facility in Queensland. Partners are: Queensland Government, James Cook University (JCU), Mackay Sugar Limited, AMYRIS, IOR Energy, BOEING, VIRGIN Australia and GE) MBD Energy Ltd - MBD Energy and JCU are establishing the first algae-to-biodiesel pilot plant using algae photo-reaction technology through a Smart Futures Fund grant Queensland Tropical Health Alliance - world-class researchers and research to reduce the burden of tropical diseases in Queensland and other tropical regions – the partners are JCU, QIMR Berghofer, Griffith University (GU), QUT and UQ QAAFI – to improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of tropical and subtropical food, fibre and agri-business industries Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) –research in water science, resource management and the ecology of water ecosystems. What is the proposed scope of the science and research activity for Queensland? Partnerships with Queensland’s universities will be essential to provide translational research that should be focussed on the Four Pillars of the Queensland economy, thereby ensuring that we meet the state’s greatest needs. Furthermore, there should be a strong emphasis on two way exchanges, where entrepreneurs in the research sector and researchers in the business sectors are sustained and supported. Partnerships like the examples above focus strongly on the government’s priority areas and involve multiple partners and a strong translation dimension. Does any proposed investment in this priority satisfy the R.E.D.S. decision rules? Real future impact: A greater emphasis on developing new and established researchers in a business setting, to deliver greater translational research. In addition, setting up strong Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 13
partnerships that deliver outcomes from the research to deliver innovation to Queensland and encourage further partnerships to be set up. External commitment: Businesses in Queensland could invest more in research with research providers as co-partners. External commitment should come from universities, international and national companies, the Commonwealth government and other organisations. To deliver further momentum on this investment to date, we need to have the most engaged government and business sectors working with research providers for the betterment of the state. As previously noted, some major collaborations already exist as examples of the benefits of this sort of collaboration. Distinctive angle: Queensland has invested heavily in the past to develop itself into a centre of excellence for research. Substantial and sustained investment in infrastructure, skills and research has occurred over the past decade or so, aiming to keep Queensland positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Partnerships with leading international research organisations and the world’s leading researchers have been established, making Queensland a sought after location for up and coming researchers and businesses. Scaling towards critical mass: There are already businesses that have good relationships with research providers, but this should be scaled up to ensure we are at the forefront internationally. In addition, further collaborative agreements need to be developed that take advantage of the vast skills base Queensland has already, with the aim of delivering greater research outcomes. What is a suitable (SMART13) target for this science and research activity? Queensland should aim to increase the number of researchers who are co-located across the research, business and government sectors by 50 per cent. In addition, it should aim to increase the number of entrepreneurs in research providers by 50 per cent by 2020. It is essential we ensure all Queensland-funded research has a translation plan in place to deliver outcomes for Queensland. Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 14
Science and Research Priority
Protecting our biodiversity and heritage: marine and terrestrial
In Summary
Queensland is a world leader in biodiversity conservation. With a rich, internationally-
renowned biodiversity from species to ecosystems, this unique set of assets must be
maintained and managed, while supporting our economy and lifestyle. Effective biodiversity
conservation and management in Queensland is hindered by a lack of adequate, robust
baseline information and clear measureable objectives.
The evidence base to support conservation decision making is limited by critical gaps in
knowledge about biodiversity and ecosystem function and processes, especially in our
understanding of the cumulative impact and appropriate management of multiple stressors.
Part of this evidence base can be built by focusing research on key areas including:
biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health; optimal resource allocation; and
environmental information. We must also develop tools and skills to support transparent,
robust and accountable decision-making. Research into biodiversity and its management will
ensure our ecosystems are used and developed sustainably and the unique ecosystem
services they provide are retained.
Why should this be a Science and Research Priority for Queensland? What is the
problem we are trying to solve?
Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, with over 2.7 million people
impacting on native vegetation, marine areas and ecosystems. Better management and
sustainable use of ecosystems and ecosystem services for business, agriculture, tourism
and the community will be essential to ensure the security of our biodiversity.
What opportunities exist in Queensland?
Queensland has a richer biodiversity of species to ecosystems than anywhere else in
Australia and is comparable to anywhere overseas. This includes iconic World Heritage
areas (for example, Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, Fraser Island, Riversleigh world heritage
site) that make significant recurrent contributions to the Queensland economy (for example,
the net present value of the Great Barrier Reef is estimated at $51.4 billion14). Additionally,
we have a highly skilled scientific workforce supported by world-class infrastructure.
Providing the knowledge to meet the management challenges to reduce threats to
biodiversity assets will ensure the sustainable use and retention of the ecosystem services
that our biodiversity provides. It will also help drive the sustainable development and
management of these unique assets.
What is the current activity in this area in Queensland and who are the main players?
Queensland has world-class research and research institutions working in the area of
biodiversity and marine diversity:
Queensland Government: DSITIA and DAFF
Universities:
- UQ - Ecology Centre, Centre for Marine Science, GCI
- GU - Environmental Futures; Australian Rivers Institute
14
Oxford Economics. 2009. Valuing the effects of Great Barrier Reef Bleaching. Report prepared for the Great Barrier Reef
Foundation. Australia.
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 15-
JCU - Centre for Tropical Biodiversity & Climate Change, TropWater, Centre for
Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- CQU
- USC
- USQ
- QUT
- ARC Centre for Coral Reef Studies - is a partnership of JCU, the Australian Institute
of Marine Science (AIMS), The Australian National University, the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), UQ and the University of Western Australia.
Publicly funded research agencies: AIMS, CSIRO (Sustainable Ecosystems, Marine and
Atmospheric Research)
Others: GBRMPA; Integrated Marine Observing System.
What is the proposed scope of the science and research activity for Queensland?
Development of sustainable management strategies and technologies for the state’s
biodiversity in order to provide improved ecosystem services to business, agriculture and the
community.
This should include:
Food security research: enhancing the productivity, profitability and environmental
performance of Queensland's aquaculture industries; researching the status and
ensuring the sustainability of our marine, estuarine and freshwater fisheries resources15
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health analysis of biodiversity in unexplored
areas; developing functional understanding of key species and ecological communities;
participating in the development of national efforts in environmental monitoring; and
developing of tools to predict the nature and consequences of changes in biodiversity as
a result of human intervention16
Dealing with a changing climate: refining understanding of the impacts of a changing
climate on biodiversity to support government efforts to mitigate and adapt12
Optimal resource allocation: addressing critical policy and management issues by
integrating the social and economic
Gathering environmental information and developing tools and skills to assist in
transparent, robust and accountable decision-making.
How does any proposed investment in this priority satisfy the R.E.D.S. decision rules?
Real future impact: Better knowledge, management and protection of our wildlife and
national parks; sustainable recreational, commercial and indigenous use of our landscapes;
species conservation; and more sustainable use of the state’s biodiversity.
External commitment: Queensland researchers are already working with partners
(including natural resource management groups, local government and non-government
organisations) and commonwealth funding is available to improve biodiversity outcomes.
Distinctive angle: Queensland has a natural advantage given its ecosystem and species
richness and position in the tropics. It also has a technical distinctive angle in its research
centres such as: GCI, Australian Rivers Institute (GU), Institute for Future Environments
(QUT), Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments (USQ), Centre for Tropical Biodiversity
& Climate Change and TropWater.
15
Fisheries and aquaculture research (http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries/research)
16
DSITIA Science Delivery Division Audit. Final Report (2012) (http://
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 16Scaling towards critical mass: Strong partnerships already exist between government, universities and other researchers, that can be enhanced to provide critical knowledge, and to develop tools and novel technologies. What is a suitable (SMART13) target for this science and research activity? Queensland’s R&D sector should be focused on ensuring that Queensland’s: Ecosystems and species are the best understood, monitored and managed in Australia and the world State of Environment reports show continued and sustained improvements in Queensland’s biodiversity assets Maintenance of the ecosystem services provided by Queensland’s biodiversity assets encourages continued growth in the economic value of those services. Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 17
Science and Research Priority
Natural advantage clean(er) - and renewable - energy technologies development (e.g. gas,
solar, biofuels)
In Summary
Queensland has two powerful natural advantages in cleaner and renewable energies: our
comprehensive resource base (gas, solar, wind, biofuels and geothermal); and our close
proximity to and relationships with the emerging Asian economic powerhouses. These
advantages can only be exploited if we develop a long-term approach to managing our
energy future. Short-to-medium term innovation is needed to achieve sustainable exploitation
of our conventional resources. This should include a long-term, system-oriented, multi-
disciplinary strategy which incorporates the development, demonstration and export of
conventional and emerging renewable energy technologies.
Our key research organisations in these areas have individual skills and capacity across
several pivotal technology areas and are well connected to the world’s best research
centres. Coordinating this expertise, connecting researchers with our resources and
generation industries, and better bridging the deployment gap from laboratory to production
will provide a more coordinated portfolio approach to deliver medium-term emissions
reductions, and position Queensland as an Asian energy super-state for the carbon-
constrained decades to come.
Why should this be a Science and Research Priority for Queensland? What is the
problem we are trying to solve?
About 81 per cent of the state's electricity is generated by coal-fired power stations, with
around 43 million tonnes of carbon being released into the atmosphere each year directly
from this source17. Queensland is also a major exporter of fossil fuels for energy production.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts the world will continue to rely on fossil fuels,
for the majority of its energy needs, for several decades to come18. In a carbon constrained
future, our state’s challenge is two-fold: we must reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions
across all activities (not just electricity production); and we must position ourselves as an
energy innovation powerhouse - providing resources, technology and maybe even clean
electricity to the emerging Asian region. We must view our responsibilities and opportunities
within a national framework (for example the Australian Government’s 20 per cent
renewable target by 202019), and also within the emerging global context of wholesale
emissions reductions and carbon markets.
What opportunities exist in Queensland?
‘Queensland has vast and largely untapped low pollution energy sources. This includes
renewable energy options such as geothermal, solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy, as well as
large reserves of gas… By 2030, close to 35 per cent of Queensland’s electricity could be
produced from renewable energy sources…’15. However, such ambitions will require a
significant reduction in the cost of renewable energy and advances in power systems and
energy storage to cope with the intermittency of renewable energy resources such as wind
and solar. Queensland has the potential to take a leadership position in the development of
sustainable production of unconventional gas and carbon geosequestration which the IEA
considers essential to achieving deep cuts in global emissions.
17
Clean Energy Jobs in regional Australia. Spotlight Report. (2011) Queensland Snapshot. The Climate Institute.
http://www.climateinstitute.org.au/verve/_resources/cleanenergyjobssnapshot_queensland.pdf
18
International Energy Agency, 2012. IEA World Energy Outlook 2012
19
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/reducing-carbon/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-target (under review)
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 18Couple this natural resource advantage with our close proximity and relationships with the
emerging Asian economies and a massive opportunity emerges for Queensland as an energy
super state.
What is the current activity in this area in Queensland and who are the main players?
Research institutions in Queensland have world-class capacity in clean(er) and renewable energy
technology. These include:
clean coal/energy technology - Carbon Energy Research Centre (UQ); Centre for Clean
Environment and Energy (GU), and Institute for Resource Industries and Sustainability
(CQ University (CQU)); QCAT
gas (natural and unconventional) - Centre for Coal Seam Gas (UQ): the largest
unconventional gas research program in Australia
solar - UQ Solar, the largest solar research program in Australia;
geothermal - Queensland Geothermal Centre of Excellence (UQ);
biofuels and biogas - Syngenta Centre for Sugarcane Biofuels Development (QUT),
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), the Institute of
Molecular Biosciences (micro-algal biofuels) (UQ), QAFFI, the High Energy Algal Fuels
Project (JCU); and the UQ Biogas - the largest in Australia
ancillary power systems - next generation power systems for renewable energy (UQ and
QUT), new market economics (UQ Energy Economics), and the QUT Institute for Future
Environments
energy storage - electrochemical energy storage and conversion groups (UQ and AIBN).
What is the proposed scope of the science and research activity for Queensland?
Queensland’s energy related R&D activity should focus upon:
utilisation of Queensland’s cleaner and renewable energy resources with a portfolio
approach of near-term to blue-sky opportunities - including hybrid systems and the use
of conventional stranded assets
characterising Queensland’s carbon geostorage potential and proving the technical,
environmental and social acceptance of carbon capture and storage
supporting the sustainable production and utilisation of our unconventional gas
resources
addressing the important challenges associated with integration of emerging renewable
electricity generation into our grid and market systems
promoting development and deployment to pilot-scale for key new technologies by
connecting with the federal funding base
creation of a coordinated state-wide approach to skill-creation and utilisation in the
sustainable energy technologies.
How does any proposed investment in this priority satisfy the R.E.D.S. decision rules?
Real future impact: Developing a portfolio approach to our resource utilisation and
technology development Queensland could be an energy leader in the Asian region - with
positive not negative total emissions impact.
External commitment: Coordinating and utilising our powerful resources and generation
sector, integrating our emerging technology base and connecting with the federal agenda.
Distinctive angle: Queensland has a unique combination of advantages: massive natural
resources and close proximity to the emerging economic powerhouses of SE Asia.
Scaling towards critical mass: QCAT, UQ and QUT have a critical mass of world-class
scientists and engineers in gas, solar, clean coal, biofuels and geothermal technologies.
Queensland science and research priorities, Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist 19You can also read
