QAAFI is committed to working respectfully and reciprocally with Indigenous peoples and communities, on the unceded Indigenous lands upon which we undertake our work.
We acknowledge the problematic histories and legacies of colonial agriculture and land management practices in Australia, and the negative impacts that unsafe academic research has had on Indigenous peoples, knowledges, and cultural heritage. As a research institute, we are dedicated to being a leading example of working meaningfully and collaboratively with community, including benefit sharing, and finding ways to support Indigenous peoples’ needs and aspirations within the food and agriculture sector.
QAAFI works in accordance with the high standards outlined in UQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We have significant expectations for Indigenous Engagement and employment within both our operations and research teams. As we undertake this future-centred work, we are growing our community of Indigenous researchers and professional staff, and are continually seeking opportunities for community-led and engaged projects.
We value the enormous contributions that Indigenous peoples and perspectives bring to the broader UQ and QAAFI community. If you are an Indigenous person looking to connect with QAAFI for either employment, future study pathways or to be involved in community projects, please add your contact details to our database or be in touch with our Indigenous Engagement Team.
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Research in collaboration with First Nation's people
- University of Queensland studies have used a natural tree sap gum and light to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables to combat food waste.
- A shared vision to boost Australia’s Indigenous-led bushfood industry is the key to the partnership between The University of Queensland and Roogenic, which makes products with Australian plants that have nutritional and health properties.
- The sustainable manufacture of bio-based herbicides is the target of a $1.3 million international collaboration initiated by the Global Bioeconomy Alliance (GBA).
- University of Queensland research has confirmed antioxidant properties in an Australian bushfood used by Indigenous people for generations.
- 1 July 2024We have a problem with the food we eat. We waste too much of it — in Australia alone, food waste costs the economy $36.6 billion a year — and our diets aren’t diverse enough to always provide us with the micronutrients our bodies need.
- Expressions of interest to join the NativeGrow™ First Nations Entrepreneur Program are open. This program seeks applications from First Nations female entrepreneurs working on business ideas in food and agriculture, including food products, ingredients, skincare and beauty, health and wellness, technology, and medicinal products.
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Uniquely Australian Foods
Celebrating Australia's unique food identity
QAAFI's Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS) supports enhanced health outcomes and economic benefits for Australia, by conducting integrated fundamental and applied research to improve the taste, quality, appearance, nutritional value and safety of food. We aim to understand the fundamental characteristics of food that influence processing, food quality, consumer perception and nutritional value.
Sitting within CNAFS is the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods, which aims to change the way Australians – and the world – thinks about Australia’s cuisine and food products. They do this by partnering with and supporting Australia's First Nation's people, the traditional custodians, of native foods and plants. We are collaborating with First Nations communities across Australia, food industry entrepreneurs with a research team spanning law, engineering, food science and the social sciences, to promote research and development on uniquely Australian foods.