USC researchers are inspired by a passion to find innovative solutions to real-world issues. 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 institutes
World-class research hubs broadening knowledge and providing 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.
Work focuses around four central themes:
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the provision of clinical services
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advocacy for patients and their carers
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conducting ground breaking translation research
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education and teaching
Forest Research Institute
Making direct and meaningful contributions to the sustainability of our wooded landscapes. Forestry research centres include:
- Forest Industries Research Centre
Forestry value chain and the economic and environmental sustainability of forest industries. - Tropical Forests and People Research Centre
Interactions between people and tropical forests. - National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
A joint venture putting Australia at the forefront of international best practice.
Research centres
Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems
Leading research capability in the areas of Human Factors, Sociotechnical Systems, and Systems thinking.
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.
Genecology Research Centre
Interdisciplinary scientists examining the sustainable production of aquaculture, horticulture and forestry systems and biodiversity conservation.
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.
Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
Leading strategic research in collaboration with our Pacific Island neighbours.
Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre
Research for, with and by Indigenous, migrant, refugee and culturally diverse communities.
Engage Research Cluster
Developing technologies such as computer games, social networking sites, apps and interactive experiences to find solutions to social issues.
Institute for Cyber Investigations and Forensics
The first of its kind in Australia to offer a blend of specialist training, research, commercialisation and community advocacy in cyber security.
In addition, USC has research clusters and interest areas including:
- Sustainability Research Centre - helping regions transition towards sustainability.
- SEQ Eastern Grey Kangaroo Conservation Project
- CoastSnapQld beach monitoring - monitoring and managing the dynamic coast.
Facilities
USC has specialist facilities in key locations for teaching and to support collaboration and innovation in 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
USC leads Australian study into exercise during pandemic
7 MayHealth science experts from USC have been chosen to lead the Australian arm of a study into how physical activity levels have been affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
USC leads research on pandemic panic buying
21 AprilUSC psychology lecturers have launched a national research project investigating the behaviours that have led people to panic buy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
USC appoints new Dean to lead graduate research
7 AprilA world-leader in human movement and motor neuroscience research has been appointed as the Dean of Graduate Research at USC Australia.
For more information, contact the Office of Research or the Graduate Research Office