UQ secures $16.4m from ARC in grants, fellowships

UQ researchers have received more than $16.4 million from the Australian Research Council to progress research across health, agriculture, environment, Indigenous experiences and data sciences. 

Three researchers were awarded prestigious Australian Laureate Fellowships, with UQ positioned equal first for the number of fellowships awarded nationally. 

The University also received the most funding of all universities nationally from the ARC Linkage Projects 2024 Round 2 and the Australian Laureate Fellowships.    

UQ remains the most awarded university for ARC Australian Laureate Fellowship funding since the scheme began. 

Fellowship recipient Professor Felicity Meakins also received the ARC Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship, recognising profound contribution to her field and to advancing women in research.

ARC Australian Laureate Fellowships 2025:

• Professor Julie Henry – understand ways to improve cognitive ageing in older Australians so they can stay independent and socially-connected for longer. 
• Professor Felicity Meakins – explore the role of Indigenous languages in preserving Indigenous ecological knowledge, to help shape policy and practice in Australia and support language renewal. 
• Professor James Ward – establish an Australian First Nations Urban Research Centre that is transdisciplinary and privileges Indigenous methodologies, with the aim to support the wellbeing of urban First Nations people. 

ARC Linkage Projects 2024 Round 2: 

• Professor Mark Blaskovich – identify improved antibiotic combinations to combat antibiotic resistance in agricultural, environmental, and health sectors by using genetic and molecular techniques.  
• Dr Alice Hayward – generate new ways to protect plant biodiversity, focusing on six Australian priority species, to preserve their ecological, cultural and economic value.  
• Professor Julie Henry – identify risks that can lead to ageism and provide research-based tools for healthcare workers and older adults to ensure equitable healthcare for all Australians. 
• Professor Hongzhi Yin – develop Australia’s first strata management system powered by large language models to boost efficiencies and help to address rising costs, reduced service quality and skill shortages in this industry. 
• Professor Dr Longbin Huang – explore the use of man-made soils to support sustainable mining rehabilitation, in response to Australia’s soil shortage. 
• Dr Elham Assadi Soumeh – understand the minimum zinc levels needed for healthy pig growth, immunity and gut health and test alternatives to medicinal zinc in feed.