USQ’s world-class researchers are focussed on solving regional and global problems and challenges and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
From helping to break down barriers for women in business in rural and remote parts of Australia to collaborating with manufacturing company John Deere to boost farm productivity, see below for the latest research updates.
Applied research for an innovative and thriving regional Australia
University of Southern Queensland (USQ) research is helping regional communities to be more resilient and adaptive.
Regional Australia is the heartland of our nation, home to one-third of the population and the source of nearly 70% of our exports.
Regional Australia’s greatest asset is its people and for there to be continuing opportunity it is essential that regional communities have the infrastructure, skills and capacity to adapt to change and compete in the global economic marketplace.
Research through USQ’s Institute for Resilient Regions is helping communities to innovate, successfully navigate change, explore new skills, technology and infrastructure and strengthen community health and well-being.
USQ’s vision is for a regional Australia that is innovative and thriving, and a great place to work and live.
WiRE Program supports women in business
A USQ program is helping break down barriers for women in business in rural, remote and regional parts of Australia.
The WiRE (Women in Rural, Remote, Regional Enterprises) program promotes and cultivates female entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging women to progress their business and career dreams.
Women in areas outside metropolitan areas often face major hurdles, including lack of availability of assistance, mentoring, information, technology and learning facilities.
USQ researcher and WiRE Program Director, Professor Retha Wiesner, said there was a huge opportunity to boost Australia’s entrepreneurial capacity, with nearly half of all new ventures founded in rural, regional or remote areas yet only 2.4% of these founded by women.
Recently, women have had the chance to bring their ideas to the table, joining other female entrepreneurs, mentors and trainers for learning, development and support at ‘business boot camps’.
“They get the opportunity to grow and accelerate their business ideas or community ventures through a practical, experiential activity-based growth retreat,” Professor Wiesner said.
“It’s suitable not only for women who are aspiring entrepreneurs or seasoned entrepreneurs with a new idea, but also an executive or volunteer looking to bring entrepreneurial thinking into their workplace or organisation.”
USQ and industry: A clever collaboration
USQ’s collaboration with agricultural machinery giant John Deere was recently featured in a national publication promoting industry and university partnerships.
Universities Australia launched Clever Collaborations: The Strong Business Case for Partnering with Universities at the National Press Club, which highlighted USQ’s smart farming partnership.
USQ and John Deere have forged a collaboration to work on lifting farm productivity, developing the next generation of agricultural technology– including machine automation and control such as driverless tractors.
This partnership is helping growers manage their costs more precisely to maximise yields and profits.
“Our research is focused on tackling national and global challenges affecting agriculture, natural resource management, and people living and doing business in regional areas,” USQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Mark Harvey said.
“USQ is at the global forefront of research and we have demonstrated our capability and expertise to service industry needs in many areas.”
Picture: USQ’s Dr Cheryl McCarthy and Professor Craig Baillie work directly with farmers, such as third generation broad-acre farmer John Bryce.