Research with impact

Finding solutions to the issues important to you and your organisation often requires an understanding of the law and the ability to influence law-making.

Together, with the expertise of our researchers, we can address a wide range of social, economic and environmental challenges – from local Queensland issues to complex global problems.

We work collaboratively with all kinds of entities, including government agencies, businesses, and not-for-profit organisations to engage critically with developments in the law. From government policy submissions that bring about societal change and law reform, to providing research-led training that builds capacity in your organisation or community, we can co-design solutions to achieve your objectives.

The University of Queensland Law School is nationally and internationally recognised for the quality and impact of its research. Our expertise spans a wide range of legal areas, including criminal justice, national security and defence, intellectual property, corporate governance, marine environment, and shipping. No matter the challenge you’re facing, we’re here to help.

Why partner with us? 

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Expertise 

World-ranking legal and cross-cultural expertise 

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Leading-edge talent 

High-achieving students for projects and placements

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Facilities 

Comprehensive law library and education and training facilities

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Impact

Influence on law, legal policy and practice for the public good

Ways we can collaborate with you

UQ law students studying in Law library

Research collaboration

Engage UQ law academics to apply their knowledge and expertise to address the needs of your organisation, government department or community. Our academics will work with you to translate research findings into shared knowledge and tangible outcomes. You can collaborate with us in the following ways:

  • Join forces with UQ Law School academics to make an informed contribution to policy and law reform at a state, national or international level. Our researchers frequently collaborate with and make submissions to government departments and agencies such as the Australian Law Reform Commission, the Department of Defence, and the UN’s International Labour Organisation.
  • Work with UQ law academics to propose legal responses to complex social challenges, such as protecting press freedom or mitigating youth injustice. 
  • Partner with UQ law academics on research grants and development funding, such as Australian Research Council Linkage Project Grants, and share knowledge and skills to help transform your organisation, industry or society.  
  • Commission UQ law academics to conduct research on your behalf under a private contract and provide independent advice on the challenges you face.
  • Sponsor a UQ Law School research chair, PhD scholarship, research facility and infrastructure project, or stakeholder engagement and outreach event

UQ law students studying in Law library

Student placements and projects

Establish a student placement or project and access our brightest higher degree by research (HDR) and undergrad students who are supervised by our world-leading academics. You’ll have the opportunity to gain fresh insights from emerging talent with access to cutting-edge ideas and support. You can:

  • Tap into our top talent by engaging an HDR student intern on a project, such as reviewing current legal research or testing the viability of a new approach. Academics of international calibre will guide our HDR candidates to help you take the next step.
  • Enlist a UQ law Summer or Winter Research Scholar for a student placement that aligns with a problem or challenge you want to tackle. You’re bound to hear new takes on established organisational or societal issues from our scholars – all accomplished undergraduate students supervised by top-tier UQ law researchers.
  • Collaborate with student volunteers from our UQ Pro Bono Centre on public interest matters impacting local, regional and overseas communities. Partnering with our Pro Bono Centre students will help you address access to justice issues that affect the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in our society.

Training and development in the law library

Training and development

Collaborate with us to build capability in your organisation, region or community with research-led training and our cross-cultural expertise. View our events calendar for a taste of what we can deliver.

  • Co-facilitate conferences with UQ Law School. You’ll bring together members of multiple groups – including but not limited to legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, government agencies, community organisations, businesses and academics – to explore solutions to complex challenges.
  • Engage UQ law academics to host a training seminar or workshop for your organisation on an area of interest or concern. 
  • Partner with UQ Law School on continuing professional development (CPD) courses or postgraduate study. As a guest speaker at a CPD course or postgraduate lecture, you’ll have the opportunity to position your organisation as an expert in key topics and forge links with law graduates and professionals alike.

 

     Ways we can collaborate with you

    Research collaboration

    Engage UQ law academics to apply their knowledge and expertise to address the needs of your organisation, government department or community. Our academics will work with you to translate research findings into shared knowledge and tangible outcomes. You can collaborate with us in the following ways:

    • Join forces with UQ Law School academics to make an informed contribution to policy and law reform at a state, national or international level. Our researchers frequently collaborate with and make submissions to government departments and agencies such as the Australian Law Reform Commission, the Department of Defence, and the UN’s International Labour Organisation.
    • Work with UQ law academics to propose legal responses to complex social challenges, such as protecting press freedom or mitigating youth injustice. 
    • Partner with UQ law academics on research grants and development funding, such as Australian Research Council Linkage Project Grants, and share knowledge and skills to help transform your organisation, industry or society.  
    • Commission UQ law academics to conduct research on your behalf under a private contract and provide independent advice on the challenges you face.
    • Sponsor a UQ Law School research chair, PhD scholarship, research facility and infrastructure project, or stakeholder engagement and outreach event.

    research collaboration image

     

    UQ law students studying in Law library

    Student placements and projects

    Establish a student placement or project and access our brightest higher degree by research (HDR) and undergrad students who are supervised by our world-leading academics. You’ll have the opportunity to gain fresh insights from emerging talent with access to cutting-edge ideas and support. You can:

    • Tap into our top talent by engaging an HDR student intern on a project, such as reviewing current legal research or testing the viability of a new approach. Academics of international calibre will guide our HDR candidates to help you take the next step.
    • Enlist a UQ law Summer or Winter Research Scholar for a student placement that aligns with a problem or challenge you want to tackle. You’re bound to hear new takes on established organisational or societal issues from our scholars – all accomplished undergraduate students supervised by top-tier UQ law researchers.
    • Collaborate with student volunteers from our UQ Pro Bono Centre on public interest matters impacting local, regional and overseas communities. Partnering with our Pro Bono Centre students will help you address access to justice issues that affect the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in our society.

    Training and development in the law library

    Training and development

    Collaborate with us to build capability in your organisation, region or community with research-led training and our cross-cultural expertise. View our events calendar for a taste of what we can deliver.

    • Co-facilitate conferences with UQ Law School. You’ll bring together members of multiple groups – including but not limited to legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, government agencies, community organisations, businesses and academics – to explore solutions to complex challenges.
    • Engage UQ law academics to host a training seminar or workshop for your organisation on an area of interest or concern. 
    • Partner with UQ Law School on continuing professional development (CPD) courses or postgraduate study. As a guest speaker at a CPD course or postgraduate lecture, you’ll have the opportunity to position your organisation as an expert in key topics and forge links with law graduates and professionals alike.

     

      Discover some of our partnerships

      Internationally and nationally

      internationally and nationally

      We’re working with other researchers, universities, botanic gardens and seed banks to help provide better access to genetic material for food growers and agribusiness.
      With partners in Europe, the US and Australia, we’re researching the legalities of autonomous military systems such as driverless vehicles and uncrewed aircraft.
      In collaboration with American universities, the Australian Human Rights Commission and others, Associate Professor Paul Harpur is exposing and pushing back on barriers for people with disability.

      In our local community

      For Queensland

      With primary producers, small business owners and community leaders in outback Queensland, we’re discovering ways to structure family businesses for resilience.
      In partnership with government and non-government organisations, we're finding ways to safeguard coastal wetlands and land use as water levels rise.
      Alongside many partners and students, we’re undertaking groundbreaking research into justice and protection for vulnerable youth.

      Keep updated on the latest from UQ Law Research

      A great way to get to know our researchers is through our news and events.

      Subscribe for updates 

      Reach out

      Carmen ButteryHave an idea or issue you'd like to explore?  Please feel free to discuss your needs with individual researchers directly or email our dedicated Research Development Manager, Carmen Buttery.

      Carmen will respond within 24 hours of receiving your email if you contact her during the working week. From there, she’ll reach out to arrange an online or in-person catch-up at a time that suits you to discuss the challenges you’re facing.

      Carmen Buttery
      Research Development Manager

      UQ Law School

      Email Carmen