A word from the Vice-Chancellor and President
For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has been defined by an enduring and unifying purpose: to deliver for the public good.
Our founders spoke of a “people’s university” – a University for Queensland – created to broaden opportunity, advance knowledge and strengthen communities. That founding mission continues to guide us today. This Plan builds on the structure of UQ’s previous 4-year Strategic Plan while maintaining a longer term focus on the University’s ambitions for 2032. Some initiatives from the previous plan continue and mature, while others have evolved in response to new opportunities and the changing needs of our communities.
A clear example of how rapidly new opportunities are emerging is the rise of artificial intelligence. AI did not appear in our last Strategic Plan; yet today, generative AI is reshaping how we learn, work and interact with knowledge. Our response to AI is therefore embedded throughout this Plan.
Our strategic focus
The Plan is structured around 3 domains that articulate the University’s key ambitions: delivering for the public good; teaching and learning; and research and innovation. Across these areas, we outline our strategies for preparing graduates to lead and contribute meaningfully to society, advancing research that addresses global challenges, and partnering to deliver tangible social benefit.
The objectives and measures of success within each domain focus on broadening UQ’s contribution – socially, culturally, environmentally and economically – in Queensland, across Australia and around the world. Supporting these domains is an enabling priority centred on our people and sustainable operations. This reflects our recognition that UQ’s capacity to contribute depends on the talent of our people, the strength of our culture and the long-term sustainability of our operations.
Delivering for the public good
In this Plan, we reaffirm our support for The Queensland Commitment – UQ’s flagship initiative designed to remove barriers to higher education while strengthening our community partnerships and impact across Queensland. We now redouble our focus on The Queensland Commitment, first launched in our previous Plan, to ensure the benefits of our education and research are felt in communities across the state.
We will also renew our focus on our Gatton campus as a centre for regional engagement and applied research, working with local communities, industry and partners to expand educational opportunities, promote innovation and respond to regional priorities. Our commitment to advancing reconciliation remains steadfast. Under this Plan, we will implement our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) while working towards a fair, equal and inclusive society in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians come together to create a better future.
Teaching and learning
UQ’s distinctive, comprehensive educational offering is anchored in an on-campus experience that inspires students and builds a sense of belonging. Over the course of this Plan, we will strengthen that experience by expanding individualised learning and wellbeing support, tailored to an increasingly diverse student body. We will also enhance co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities – including entrepreneurship, research experiences and global exchange – preparing UQ students to lead and contribute meaningfully in their future careers.
Research and innovation
We will continue to strive for excellence in discovery science and fundamental research as a vital source of innovation. At the same time, we will deepen our leadership in research translation and commercialisation by partnering with government, industry and the community to translate knowledge into societal benefit. Innovation precincts will remain a priority, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex challenges.
UQ’s research strength is powered by our community of HDR candidates, early- and mid-career researchers and world-leading investigators. We will continue to cultivate a supportive research culture with systems that enable growth, reward collaboration and help every researcher realise their potential.
Looking to the future
We enter into this next 4-year strategic planning period from a position of strength. We are fortunate to have exceptional capability across our people, a robust culture, beautiful campuses, a track record of delivering widespread community benefit, and the resources to continue investing in our mission. The achievements of our diverse community – staff, students, alumni and partners – demonstrate the impact a university can have when grounded in a commitment to serve the public good. This Strategic Plan sets our course for 2026–2029 – as we work towards our longer term ambitions. By 2032, when the eyes of the world are focused on Queensland, UQ will be recognised for the many ways we deliver for the public good – preparing students for their future career, advancing discovery and innovation, enriching lives and cultures and strengthening the communities we serve.
Professor Deborah Terry AC
Vice-Chancellor and President