Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network

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The Partner Up Queensland (PUQ) Regional Science and Innovation Network is a state-wide approach to increasing science and innovation engagement in regional Queensland.

It aims to create a network of regional nodes to increase science and innovation capability across the state and to leverage Queensland’s collective strengths providing all Queenslanders the opportunity to engage with science and innovation in meaningful ways.

The Network will:

  • enable individuals and community groups to participate in activities developed by the network nodes and by science and innovation champions within their local or regional communities
  • have an engagement program developed by each node, offering meaningful impact
  • focus on best-practice science and innovation engagement activities, education and translation of research for local communities
  • enable collaboration between various science stakeholders including government, researchers, industry experts, local businesses, education providers and Queensland community groups
  • provide opportunities for skills development and establish local networks that will drive growth and development in the science sector and innovation economy throughout regional Queensland.

The network is a joint initiative of the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist and the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, as well as local partner organisations.

Regional nodes and coordinators

Three regional nodes have been established in Darling Downs and South-West Queensland (Toowoomba), Central Queensland (Gladstone and Rockhampton) and Far North Queensland (Cairns).

Each regional node is provided with funding of $70,000 over 12 months, for four years, to employ a regional coordinator and to support events, activities and projects that encourage Queenslanders’ participation and awareness of science and innovation within their region.

Local hosts in each node co-invest in delivery of the program to support and nurture science and innovation in their region.

This follows the successful 15-month pilot established with funding from the Queensland Government and local node co-investment. More than 4,000 participants including students, teachers, researchers and representatives from industry, business and startups attended 23 science and innovation. events during the pilot phase.

Darling Downs and South West Queensland node (Toowoomba)

Central Queensland node (Rockhampton)

Central Queensland node (Gladstone)

Far North Queensland node (Cairns)

More information

Stay up to date on our social channels or website to find out what’s happening in each region and ways you can get involved. You can also visit the Advance Queensland website for more information about innovation-related initiatives.

The Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network is strongly aligned with the Engaging Queenslanders in science strategy and goals, and is a key initiative under priority six of the Advance Queensland – Innovation for a Future Economy 2022-2032 Roadmap. We are committed to activating locally-led opportunities aligned to these government strategies and initiatives, including the Deadly Innovation Strategy.