At QAAFI, we recognise that equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to creating a vibrant, innovative, and ethical research environment. We value the unique contributions of our staff and students from all backgrounds, and we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Our approach to equity, diversity and inclusion is grounded in principles of fairness and collaboration. We actively work to remove barriers to participation and ensure that our workplace reflects the richness of the communities we serve.
Through our Diversity and Inclusion Committee and alignment with UQ’s broader initiatives, we strive to lead by example—embedding inclusive practices across our research, operations, and engagement activities.
Our strategy is underpinned by several dedicated working groups, including Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Gender Equity, Indigenous Engagement, and LGBTQIA+, each contributing to a more inclusive and representative research community.
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Women in Agricultural Research
Emma Mace discusses creating careers in agriculture
QAAFI’s Dr Emma Mace discusses the exciting STEM careers available in agriculture, and the challenge of attracting a diverse range of students from different science disciplines to meet the challenge of producing more food from less resources to feed and nourish the world. Dr Mace’s work at the Hermitage Research Centre at Warwick is being underwritten by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which also has a very clear focus on the role of women in agriculture – having recently described poverty and access to food as issues that disproportionately hit women hardest.
QAAFI Diversity and Inclusion news
- University of Queensland crop biotechnologist Dr Karen Massel is one of the state’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Award finalists, celebrating her pioneering contributions to science and dedication to public engagement.
- Science, skills and collaboration are essential to transforming Africa’s livestock systems for the future, according to scientist, advisor, and farmer Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda.
- Several species of invasive weed could become a source of renewable bioenergy, according to University of Queensland research.
- A robotic root-sensing system developed at The University of Queensland is opening up new opportunities for more productive agricultural crops.
- The University of Queensland has developed 5 new varieties of pigeonpea as a step towards the legume being grown more widely in Australia.
- Researchers from China and Australia have agreed to expand scientific research cooperation on reducing emissions in agriculture, after a successful academic symposium at Nanjing University held in May.
- A new collaborative laboratory will allow researchers to share expertise between Australia and France to boost wheat yields in the changing climate.
- A high-antioxidant fruit created in Queensland could have the potential to boost human brain activity and scientists at The University of Queensland are keen to carry out further research.
- New sites for field trials part of a University of Queensland strategy to combat Phalaris are needed in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.