USQ leading world in climate research

USQ is leading the world with its research into climate science and linking it to sustainable water use and farming practices, according to renowned climatologist Professor Roger Stone.

'The rest of the world sees South East Queensland as a zone of excellence,' Professor Stone said.

'And if ever there was a university that fits South East Queensland to do that work, it is the University of Southern Queensland.'

Professor Stone was speaking at the second annual USQ Community-Engaged Research Night at Fraser Coast in Hervey Bay on Thursday. (December 2)

He is the director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments and a professor of climatology and water science at USQ.

'How we lead the world at USQ is how we link the climate science into the delivery platforms,' he said. '(We look at things like) what does it mean for keeping this area sustainable in the long term? What does it mean for keeping farming systems sustainable and what does it mean for Queensland Gas to keep them sustainable?'

Professor Stone was one of a number of researchers from Toowoomba who attended the research evening, which showcased the university’s research work to the Fraser Coast community. There were information posters featuring 42 research projects being conducted at USQ.

The Dean of Engineering and Surveying and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Prof Frank Bullen, said USQ was carrying out a substantial amount of research.

'You can measure the health of a university by its PhD (doctoral) students, and over the past three years USQ has increased its doctoral students by more than 200 percent,' he said.

'Next year hopefully we will go to 500. So if you multiply 500 by the average length of a PhD, which is nearly four years, you’ve got 2000 years worth of person research expenditure at this University.'

Professor Bullen identified Fraser Island as an excellent research platform which was not being utilised at the moment.

Nine research projects being conducted locally were on display at the research night. These included the ‘Sunny and Healthy’ study into skin cancer prevention in children; the ‘Escape Program’ into the needs of high school students at risk of depression; and the ‘Invitation to Grieve’ study which looked at reactions to critical incidents in schools.