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 Professor 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. Professor 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
- What makes the perfect avocado?
In a world-first, University of Queensland scientists have completed mapping the genome of the popular fruit, a resource that can drive future research and innovation opportunities for Australian avocado growers.
- Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified two desirable traits in macadamia trees to make orchards more productive and profitable.
- When it comes to the environmental footprint of livestock production and the consumption of livestock-derived foods—milk, meat and eggs—Jimmy Smith, director general of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) believes that “where one stands is a function of where one sits”.
- Professor Paul PG Gauthier is looking to the future. Specifically, how to help feeding the world, a problem exercising the brain of scientists globally.
- A native Australian nut has the potential to be part of the burgeoning Indigenous bushfood industry, according to research led by The University of Queensland.
- A trait that could mitigate the impact of climate change in wheat crops has been discovered by University of Queensland researchers thanks to computer analysis on the performance of grain crops.
- The University of Queensland’s newly appointed Professor of Protected Cropping has big plans to reshape farming in Queensland, as he begins work at The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).
- In this episode of the Women Finding Success podcast, UQ's Professor Neena Mitter talks about her journey and career as a researcher from Delhi to Australia, her respect for food and agriculture, and the impact her research has on sustainable solutions for food supply and crop protection.
- 20 January 2021The Illuminata podcast series is produced by QAAFI PhD students Charlotte Rambla and Emily Mantilla. The series highlights the important role women in agriculture play as part of the STEM community. Interviews share real life stories about women working from the University of Queensland and how they are making an extraordinary difference to agriculture and food research.