Fraser Coast embraces research

USQ Fraser Coast has enthusiastically embraced the University’s Year of Research.

USQ Fraser Coast Provost, Professor Ken Stott, said the campus was committed to taking an active role in research.

'We are not just talking about this, but we are putting money into it,' he said.

The major campus research-based initiative is the establishment of a Centre for Economic Development and Enterprise (CEDE). The CEDE project has gained financial backing from many organisations on the Fraser Coast which are committed to assist with the development of the centre. The centre will provide intellectual expertise in enterprise and economic development, bringing investment to the region.

Campus manager Brett Langabeer said the contribution was evidence of a strong commitment to the principles of CEDE, which are ‘partnerships and innovation to achieve sustainable and economic growth’.

The campus has also allocated $20,000 to fund positions for two academic research coordinators. Their role is to link Fraser Coast-based staff researchers with the Toowoomba research centres of education and health.

Dr Patrick O’Brien has been appointed to the role of coordinator for education-based research and Dr Jayln Rose is the health-based coordinator.

Additional funds have also been provided to bring Toowoomba-based USQ research centre directors to the Fraser Coast on a regular basis.

One of the most significant projects so far has been the allocation of a $30,000 grant to enable staff to work in a cross-disciplinary mode on a project of significance to this community.

The Sunny and Healthy research project is headed by Dr Bonnie Hoi Yin Yim, from the Education Faculty. Its focus is on a skin cancer prevention curriculum for children in regional Queensland.

Professor Stott described the project as a remarkable achievement for a small campus.

'It’s remarkable for several reasons,' he said. 'Firstly, it has managed to bring together at least 15 staff from four faculties as well as general professional staff from the campus.

'It has called together an expert reference group, bringing together critical partners from the community, including experts from beyond the immediate region.'

There are many other research activities under way at the Fraser Coast campus. Some of these are: a study of expressive therapies by Dr O’Brien; music curriculum research by Dr Hoi Yin Yim; road safety research by Dr Jamie Shield; an evaluation of programs at Glendyne Education and Training Centre being carried out by Dr Patsy Norton and Trevor Black; and research into ICT skills of teachers in school by Associate Professor Romina Jamieson-Proctor.

The Business Faculty is working on a survey of the region’s business climate. The inaugural USQ Fraser Coast Business Barometer survey is a joint project by USQ, the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the local chambers of commerce. It is aimed at gauging the level of business confidence in the region and has been commended by members of the business community.