UQ's history of research excellence has been enhanced through partnerships with industry and governments worldwide, finding solutions to the many challenges faced. Our innovative research in the biological & chemical sciences provides an avenue for industry and government to access scientific expertise at the forefront of discovery.

Collaborative research can take a variety of forms including government supported research (e.g. ARC Linkage Scheme), consultancy, or contract research, depending on the nature of the problem.

In addition, research conducted within the faculty regularly leads to inventions that are suitable for commercialisation. This involves seeking commercial partners to either fund the development of technologies or to take a license for commercial exploitation.

For further information, contact Dr Chris Davis, Manager of Innovation and Commercial Development at c.davis@uniquest.com.au. 

Industry Linked Grants

The Australian Research Council provides opportunities for funding of up to 50% of collaborative research projects between a university and an approved industrial or governmental organisation through the ARC Linkage Scheme.

UQ is the leading recipient of ARC Linkage grants in Australia, and the faculty has a long experience conducting industry linked research. The faculty has conducted linkage projects with large companies such as CSR limited, and Astra Zeneca as well as smaller companies such as Panbio Ltd and MediHerb.

In addition, for biomedically based research, opportunities exist for industry to collaborate on projects that are funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council Development Grant Scheme.

Consultancy

Many of the faculty's academic staff have world leading expertise that is available on a consulting basis. The University's technology transfer company, UniQuest Pty Ltd is available to match the needs of external organisations with UQ experts and to co-ordinate the conduct of consulting projects.

Contract Research

 The faculty has the capacity and expertise to undertake contract research ranging from simple testing work to major research projects. We are able to tailor a research program to suit the needs of businesses and efficiently handle intellectual property issues.

Commercialisation Opportunities

 As a University faculty with an outward looking perspective, we recognise the need to create and maintain strong links with industry and government to maximise commercialisation opportunities and to ensure that our activities are relevant and at the leading edge.

The faculty works closely with the UQ technology transfer company, UniQuest Pty Ltd and is committed to encouraging innovation and commercialisation of research outcomes. In conjunction with UniQuest, the faculty has a dedicated manager of commercialisation and innovation who is responsible for identifying new intellectual property that has commercial potential and securing industry partners to commercialise it. The manager also plays in important role in educating the faculty and advising the Dean on intellectual property and commercial issues.

Inventions generated from the faculty's research are regularly patented and BACS has a portfolio of 41 patent families. Many of these are the subject of licenses agreements with industry partners or form the basis of spin-off companies. There are ten spin-off companies formed to commercialise intellectual property that was generated in BACS. These are listed below:

• BiReme Pty Ltd
• Diabax Pty Ltd
• Impedimed Pty Ltd
• Nanomics Biosystems Pty Ltd
• Neurotide Pty Ltd
• Origo Biotech Pty Ltd
• Promics Pty Ltd
• QRx Pharma Pty Ltd
• Vacquel Pty Ltd
• Vascam Pty Ltd

Profile:  Origo Biotech Pty Ltd

Origo Biotech Pty Ltd is an Australian Plant Biotechnology Company working to create innovative technologies for plant growers and consumers alike. 

The technology underpinning Origo Biotech Pty Ltd has been in development by Professor Jimmy Botella in the School of Integrative Biology over the last 5 years. Basic research into the functioning of plant genetics led to the discovery of genes that are responsible for controlling the structure of plants. Manipulation of one of these genes can lead to more branches, more foliage and more flowers in a plant that is more compact in shape. The commercial potential of the technology was recognised and after patenting with the assistance of UniQuest, Origo Biotech Pty Ltd was formed.

Graduate Employment

Our graduates are in strong demand by both Australian and international employers with employment rates considerably higher than Australia's average, and one of the highest for Australian universities.

Organisations seeking quality science graduates with problem solving and leadership skills actively recruit our graduates annually. UQ & the Faculty provide various opportunities for employers to recruit graduating students to meet their needs including:

• UQ Career Hub is a free online careers and employment service to advertise degree-related employment opportunitiesand events.
• UQ Careers Fair is an annual event that brings together university students and major employers from across the country
• Campus Visits – opportunities are available for employers with large recruitment programs to make presentations to students regarding their employment opportunities. For more information contact Graduate Employment Coordinator Tel: +61 7 3365 1705; Email: m.korst@uq.edu.au