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 hubs 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 hubs and by science and innovation champions within their local or regional communities
  • have an engagement program developed by each hub, 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.

Three regional hubs have been established in Toowoomba, Gladstone and Cairns in the pilot offering of the Network in 2022.

Each regional hub was provided with funding of $70,000 over 12 months 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.

Darling Downs and South West Queensland hub (Toowoomba)

Central Queensland hub (Gladstone)

Far North Queensland hub (Cairns)