Postgraduate Research Information

Research Centres

The University's main research goals are the pursuit of the development of innovative research activities and outcomes which will enhance the University's reputation both nationally and internationally.

Much of the research conducted at Central Queensland University is supported within the University's research centres. Central Queensland University hosts an Institute for Sustainable Regional Development and six designated research centres. These are:

• Centre for Land & Water Resource Management
• Centre for Molecular Architecture
• Centre for Railway Engineering
• Centre for Social Science Research
• Primary Industries Research Centre (Animal Sciences Group and Plant Sciences Group)
• Centre for Open & Distance Learning

Institute for Sustainable Regional Development (ISRD)

The ISRD comprises three of Central Queensland University's designated Research Centres:

Centre for Land and Water Resource Management
Centre for Social Science Research
Primary Industries Research Centre

These constituent Centres bring together multidisciplinary teams, with expertise in a range of program areas, from across the University's five faculties. The Institute makes a significant contribution to the systematic and sustainable socio-economic development and resource management of regional Australia. This is achieved through collaborative arrangements which integrate plant and animal sciences with land and water studies, and social science based research. Such arrangements encourage and promote distinctive, holistic research approaches which, in co-operation with stakeholders, seek to identify and address problems unique to the regional context as typified in Central Queensland and similar regions elsewhere.

Director: Professor Geoff Lawrence

TEL: 07 4930 9053

Centre for Land & Water Resource Management

The provision and protection of land and water resources (freshwater, estuarine and marine) is Australia's major challenge for the twenty-first century. The Central Queensland region includes Australia's second largest catchment (the Fitzroy, with an area of 160 000 km2) with a hinterland which is well endowed with mining and agricultural resources.

The Centre for Land & Water Resource Management is well positioned as a research provider to offer integrated, unbiased and impartial advice on the appropriate management of land and water resources in the Central Queensland region and similar regions elsewhere.

Director: Dr Leo Duivenvoorden

TEL: 07 4930 9570

Centre for Social Science Research

Formed in 1994 as a centre for multidisciplinary social science-focused research the Centre for Social Science Research (formerly Rural Social and Economic Research Centre) has grown to become one of the most active of the University's designated research bodies. With over 60 members of the academic staff from all five Central Queensland University faculties, the Centre for Social Science Research seeks funding from external granting bodies to undertake research into aspects of the social development of rural and regional communities.

Through its studies and its publications, it contributes to theoretical debates about the ’place' of rural society in a globalising economy, provides local communities with socio-economic data upon which decisions can be made, undertakes impact assessment, facilitates social interaction between community stakeholders, and looks for practical means of catalysing social development in the Central Queensland region.

Director: Dr Stewart Lockie

TEL: 07 4930 6539

Primary Industries Research Centre - Plant Sciences Group

The Central Queensland region is home to a range of primary industry activities spanning the agricultural (horticulture, broad acre, grazing, beef), the extractive (coal, magnesite) and the processing (alumina smelting, bulk materials handling) industries. The Plant Sciences Group conducts research activities that service the needs of these industries. As a region of climatic diversity, spanning tropical to temperate zones, it is also home to dry rainforests, wetlands, scrublands and specialised flora.

Research into the conservation of these flora in the face of development is of prime importance to the Plant Sciences Group. The region represents one of untapped potential, with scope for objective research and development.

Director: Professor David Midmore (Plant Sciences)

TEL: 07 4930 9770

Primary Industries Research Centre - Animal Sciences Group

Rockhampton and Central Queensland are recognised as the Beef Capital of Australia. The Tropical Beef Centre, in which Central Queensland University is a core partner, is located in Rockhampton, as is the headquarters of the Queensland Beef Industry Institute. Beef cattle production forms an important part of the primary production and social fabric of the Central Queensland region.

The Animal Sciences and Production Group has strong linkages with the beef industry and contributes to the development of the industry by undertaking fundamental and applied research, teaching and technology transfer in areas of cattle health, welfare and production efficiency. The Animal Sciences and Production Group also has broader interests in dairy cattle and other production and recreational animals.

Director: Professor Michael D'Occhio

TEL: 07 4930 6900

Centre for Railway Engineering

The Centre is positioned within the James Goldston Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems. For the first time in Australia, the national railway industry has access to an internationally recognised centre of expertise - providing the crucial bridge between the rail authorities, private enterprise, manufacturers and academics.

The capabilities of the Centre span all facets of railway engineering civil infrastructure, mechanical and electrical to offer applied research, technology transfer, postgraduate research opportunities, continuing education and problem solving. The Centre aims to improve efficiency, safety, productivity and profitability for the Australian railway industry, as well as providing the necessary environment for innovation.

Director: Mr Dudley Roach

TEL: 07 4930 9549

Centre for Molecular Architecture

The Centre for Molecular Architecture (CMA) conducts advanced research in chemistry. It is associated with the Faculty of Arts, Health & Sciences and has fundamental research programs in drug design, new material and chemical synthesis methodology. It has a strong doctoral program in each of these areas.

The CMA is concerned with the construction of organic molecules with precise 3D shape. Most research projects are laboratory based and concentrate on the synthesis of new molecules. Research projects provide training in the latest methods of chemical synthesis and advanced separation methods.

Director: Professor Ron Warrener

TEL: 07 4930 9919.

Research Centre for Open & Distance Learning

The support of the Research Centre for Open and Distance Learning is evidence of the commitment which Central Queensland University has to the areas of open and distance learning. This Centre is particularly relevant in the Central Queensland University context as the University enrols over 7000 students through distance studies or continuing education each year.

The University also provides distance education services to other universities, government departments, professional associations and private enterprise.

Director: Associate Professor Chris Bigum

TEL: 07 4930 9492.

Research Services Office

The Research Services Office promotes and supports research and higher degree programs. The Office is responsible for disseminating information about research opportunities, developing and maintaining research information systems, administering applications for funding and the resulting grants and assisting and coordinating the administration of research higher degrees and postgraduate research awards.

Contact the Research Services Office

Ph: 07 4930 9828
Fax: 07 4930 9801
Email: research-enquiries@cqu.edu.au

Postgraduate Research Awards

The University administers two main types of awards. Australian citizens and permanent residents who have lived in Australia for 12 months, may apply for Australian Postgraduate Awards (with stipend) and Australian citizens, permanent residents and international students may apply for University Postgraduate Research Awards. Benefits include a living allowance and research support grant. A call for applications with a 31 October closing date is normally made in September. Awards are offered primarily on the basis of academic merit.

In addition, international postgraduate research students are eligible to apply for two other types of awards. The International Postgraduate Research Scholarship entitles the recipient to full payment of tuition fees and health cover. The CQU International Student Scholarship entitles the recipient to full payment of tuition fees and an allowance of $5000 per annum for living expenses.

Application forms for these awards are available from CQU International from July and the closing date is 30 September.

At various times the University offers equity based postgraduate awards and awards for specific areas of research.

The University normally has available a quota of Research HECS Exemption Awards which exempt full-time research higher degree candidates from liability under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS).

Contact:

Research Services Office
Ph: 07 4930 9971
Fax: 07 4930 9801
Email: research-enquiries@cqu.edu.au

CQU International
Ph: 07 4930 6576
Fax: 07 4930 9803
Email: international-postgraduate@cqu.edu.au