The University's main research goals are the pursuit of the development of innovative research activities and outcomes which will enhance the University's national and international reputation.
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 five designated research centres. These are:
The Institute makes a significant contribution to the sustainable socio-economic development and natural resource management of regional Australia. The Institute acts as an ‘umbrella’ for sustainability research at Central Queensland University, coordinating, through its thematic progams, the activities of researchers and postgraduate students.
The Institute promotes and encourages distinctive holistic research to empower regions to maximise their own potentials in a sustainable manner. It combines practical on-the-ground research with theoretical approaches to important issues such as the impact of globalisation on regional communities, the dynamics of cultural change in a complex regional social system, community-based decision-making, the role of the State and private companies in sustainable development, and the future of regional Australia.
Director: Bob Miles
Ph: 07 4930 9053
Email: isrd@cqu.edu.au
http://www.isrd.cqu.edu.au
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 Alistair Melzer
Ph: 07 4970 7310
Email: cem@cqu.edu.au
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. The Centre auspices the Population Research Laboratory.
Director: Dr Stewart Lockie
Ph: 07 4930 6539
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)
Ph: 07 4930 9770
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: Dr Manicka Dhanasekar
Ph: 07 4930 9677
The Centre for Molecular Architecture (CMA) conducts advanced research in chemistry. It has fundamental research programs in advanced solar cell research, molecular switches and drug design. It has a strong post-doctoral program in each of these areas and graduates are encouraged to join these teams.
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 techniques.
Director: Professor Ron Warrener
Ph: 07 4930 9919
The Office of Research 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 with and coordinating the administration of research higher degrees and postgraduate research awards.
Contact the Office of Research
Ph: 07 4923 2607
Fax: 07 4923 2600
Email: research-enquiries@cqu.edu.au
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 may include a living allowance and research support grant. A call for applications with a 31 October closing date is normally made in September.
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 $5 000 per annum for living expenses.
Application forms for these awards are available from CQU International from July.
At various times the University offers equity based postgraduate awards and awards for specific areas of research.
The University normally has available a number of RTS Awards which exempt full-time domestic research higher degree candidates from liability.
Contact:
Office of Research
Ph: 07 4923 2607
Fax: 07 4923 2600
Email: research-enquiries@cqu.edu.au
CQU International
Ph: 07 4930 6576
Fax: 07 4930 9803
Email: international-postgraduate@cqu.edu.au
CQU CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D
This handbook was correct as at: 16-06-2003