The Faculty of Science and Technology is committed to benefiting the community through a number of projects involving Research, Events that engage the community and participation in professional and community organisations.
Staff contribute as individuals through accepting positions as directors, board members, secretaries, and treasurers of charitable and community organisations. Staff also undertake benchmarking activities, participate in judging panels for professional awards, and present seminars and training sessions for community organisations and the general public.
Staff apply their specialist knowledge in science and technology to conduct research that meets the needs of the community,
Some current and past projects include:
- research into genetically engineered nutritionally fortified bananas for release to farmers in Uganda
- working with the Spiritus Care Service´s "Leg Club®", researchers are testing different types and methods of bandaging to promote faster wound healing in patients
- with support from AusAID, the World Health Organisation, The Welcome Trust and Lee Foundation researchers are mapping the spread and behaviour of multiple forms of dengue virus in the South Pacific to develop a vaccine for effective immunisation against the potentially life–threatening virus
- with partners in Vietnam, Fiji and Indonesia, QUT is using expertise on genetics of freshwater and marine species of fish to help improve fish livestock in China and Vietnam
- working in partnership with the Australian Federal Police and National Forensics Network, researchers are developing new technologies using Raman spectroscopy for the detection of drugs and explosives and other unknown hazards in the field