Our research community is young, vibrant and collaborative with a track record of excellence in research performance.
We partner with industry, institutions and all levels of government to deliver innovative, high-quality research with real impact.
Research areas
World-class research institutes collaborate and broaden knowledge to provide solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues.
Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute
A world-class facility for mental health and neurological research, teaching, advocacy and clinical services.
Forest Research Institute
Making direct and meaningful contributions to the sustainability of our wooded landscapes through the work of the Forest Industries Research Centre. Tropical Forests and People Research Centre and National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
Find an expert
USC's academics are available for comment on a range of topical issues.
Our research centres produce research of national and international significance.
Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems
Leading research capability in the areas of Human Factors, Sociotechnical Systems, and Systems thinking.
Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
Leading research for the Pacific Islands focusing on primary production, community health and the environment.
GeneCology Research Centre
Contributing to society through innovation in creating knowledge and solutions using bio-inspired approaches, to improve societal outcomes. We support our ecosystem through conservation of biodiversity and heritage.
Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre
Research for, with and by Indigenous, migrant, refugee and culturally diverse communities.
USC has diverse research concentrations and clusters across a variety of specialised fields.
Seaweed Research Group
Diverse experts researching uses for seaweed to create positive economic, social and environmental impacts.
USC Road Safety Research Collaboration
A strategic collaboration between the Queensland Government, the Motor Accident Insurance Commission and USC.
Adolescent Risk Research Unit
Improving adolescent safety and understanding risk taking behavior. particularly on the road.
Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
Understanding, preventing and responding to this complex problem, to reduce the extent and impacts of these crimes.
Detection Dogs for Conservation
Using detection dogs to protect Australia’s biodiversity.
Marine and Coastal Ecology
Research focused on ocean sciences and marine animal ecology.
Global Change Ecology Research Group
Research on the impacts of anthropogenic change on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Sustainability Research Centre
Helping regions transition towards sustainability.
Engage Research Cluster
Developing technologies such as computer games, social networking sites, apps and interactive experiences to find solutions to social issues.
Nutrition and Dietetics
Research in the discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics
NURTURE
Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Group for Research Excellence.
Sport and Exercise Science
Exercise, health and disease management and understanding and enhancing sport performance.
Specialist facilities in key locations supports teaching and innovative, collaborative research.
Sunshine Coast Health Institute
A world-class teaching and research facility located alongside the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital
K'Gari Fraser Island Research and Learning Centre
A research and learning centre on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island
Let your research shine
Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Future Fellowships scheme supports research in areas of critical national importance by giving outstanding researchers incentives to conduct their research in Australia.
Research students
Explore research and development opportunities at USC.
Latest research news
USC Newsroom
Hot topics: USC list of summer holiday experts
17 December 2020From new microbiological considerations at the family barbecue, to the impact of border closures on the traditional summer road trip, USC Australia has research experts available to comment to the media over the summer 2020/2021 period.
Seaweed scientist named Australian STEM superstar
3 December 2020A USC scientist passionate about restoring seaweed forests and finding solutions to global problems has been named one of Australia’s official Superstars of STEM.
Who’s stealing the spanner crabs?
25 November 2020A USC study will determine if sharks are wrongly getting a bad rap for taking a bite out of Australia’s commercial spanner crab industry.
For more information, contact the Office of Research or the Graduate Research School