Welcome to the first Spotlighting Our Research newsletter for 2026 – highlighting some of the achievements, partnerships, and breakthroughs continuing to build UniSQ’s research momentum across areas including space, health, AI and sustainability.
The past year reflects a research profile continuing to grow in scale, quality, and impact.
At a glance
- $39.74M in total research income in 2025, including $36.97M HERDC (unaudited)
- 1,795 Scopus-indexed publications in 2025 (+6.8% year-on-year)
- 474 publications already indexed in 2026, with 84.3% in Q1 journals
- Ranked in 9 of 11 subjects in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by Subject
- Ranked in 4 subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Growing quality and global standing
UniSQ’s research output continues its upward trajectory, with publication growth supported by a strong concentration in top-tier journals.
In the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2026, UniSQ was ranked in nine disciplines, with Psychology improving to the 301–400 band after two years in the 401–500 range. All other ranked subjects maintained their positions.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Computer Science and Information Systems rose significantly from 751–850 to 551–600, while Agriculture and Forestry (301–350) and Environmental Science (351–400) retained their standings.
Research translating into impact
UniSQ researchers have recently secured competitive funding across aerospace, defence, climate resilience, AI and health – reinforcing the University’s focus on applied, industry-connected research.
Among the largest projects was a $1.01M Australia–India Strategic Research Fund collaboration led by Professor Ashok Nanjundan, with Dr Pratheep Annamalai, Professor Polly Burey and Professor John Bell, advancing green chemistry approaches to recovering critical minerals from battery e-waste alongside partners IIT Madras and IISER Bhopal.
Other major projects include a $583,000 international project led by Dr Vivekananda M. Byrareddy and Torben Marcussen, with Professor Shahbaz Mushtaq, strengthening climate risk insurance and resilience for smallholder coffee farmers in Southeast Asia, and continued Defence Science and Technology Group funding supporting Professor Ravinesh Deo’s work applying AI techniques to Automatic Waveform Generation.
An international collaboration with the University of Stuttgart, led by Dr Byrenn Birch and Professor David Buttsworth, is also tackling spacecraft re-entry challenges through improved design-for-demise modelling.
Professor Rajib Rana secured a competitive national allocation providing access to Australia’s flagship supercomputer, Setonix, supporting quantum-enabled drug discovery and molecular medicine research.
In an outstanding result, through the Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Program Round 2, UniSQ secured funding for five projects spanning advanced materials, drone inspection systems, AI-powered safety technologies, propulsion systems and next-generation space power technologies.
UniSQ researchers are also contributing to two AEA Ignite national collaborations with the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University, supporting projects focused on sustainable fertiliser production and solar-enhanced waste-to-fuel systems.
Breakthroughs and recognition
UniSQ research continues to gain national and global attention.
A UniSQ-led discovery of a potentially habitable planet, led by Dr Chelsea Huang and Dr Alexander Venner, generated worldwide media coverage and was shared by NASA.
Research led by Associate Professor Cheryl McCarthy is now being conducted on the International Space Station, using AI-driven plant monitoring to detect early plant stress and improve sustainable food production on Earth.
The Germany–Australia Flight Experiment (GAsFEx-2) confirmed the strong performance of UniSQ-developed sensors, with contributions from Professor David Buttsworth and Professor Ingo Jahn, achieving speeds approaching Mach 8.
UniSQ’s Digital Thread Innovations for Aerospace and Defence project, involving partners including Boeing Australia and Dassault Systèmes, received a JEC World 2026 Innovation Award.
Dr Ekta Sharma received a Medal of Excellence recognising research of strategic importance to Australia’s National Intelligence Community, while Professor Stuart Biddle received the 2025 Medal of Achievement (CASES) for global impact in physical activity and sedentary behaviour research.
Office of Research staff member Racheal Chesters, a proud descendant of the Wurundjeri people, was appointed to the inaugural Indigenous Engagement Working Group of the Australasian Research Management Society.
Strengthening research training
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) training also remains strong in 2026, with 27 completions already achieved as of late March, 50 candidates under examination, and a further 38 progressing through submission and revision stages.
Research Spotlight: Health at UniSQ
UniSQ’s health research continues to deliver strong national impact, particularly in cancer survivorship, mental health and public health systems.
At the ANZUNS Scientific Meeting, UniSQ researchers received national recognition:
- Sally Sara received the Talbot Crowe Award for Best Nursing Research
- Russell Briggs received Best Paper and the Sapphire Advanced Practice Award
UniSQ’s health research leadership also continues to gain recognition, with Professor Amy Mullens appointed to the Board of Queensland Positive People and the Editorial Board of Sexual Health, and selected for the national HIV Unwrapped 3.0 initiative.
New and continuing projects include:
- An NHMRC Ideas Grant ($1.78M) led by Professor Stuart Biddle (with the University of Queensland), exploring children’s screen use
- An NHMRC Ideas Grant ($3.52M) involving Dr Lin Ong (with the University of Adelaide), investigating neurodegeneration
- Research led by Dr Emily Wang and Professor Xiaohui Tao examining chronic pain management in primary care
UniSQ researchers are also driving real-world change through major programs, including the Momentum Hub, led by Professor Sonja March, which now supports more than 2,000 users and 800 professionals, with evidence of reduced mental health difficulties among participants.
MRFF-funded work led by Associate Professor Annette Brömdal and Professor Amy Mullens is also helping advance inclusive health models and policy reform.
Looking ahead
UniSQ’s research performance reflects a clear trajectory: growing scale, improving quality, and increasing global relevance.
With continued investment in partnerships, translation and industry-connected research, UniSQ is well-positioned to further expand its impact across communities, industries and regions.
Explore last year’s Spotlighting Our Research editions.
