Themes
The QUEX Institute’s collaborative research is structured around four interdisciplinary themes that address key global challenges. These are: Healthy Living, Global Environmental Futures, Digital Worlds and Disruptive Technologies, and Mineral Security and Sustainability.
Each theme brings together complementary expertise from the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland to drive impactful, solutions-focused research.
The Universities of Exeter and Queensland bring together world-class expertise in health-related research, covering areas such as dementia, diabetes, genomics, gerontology, health economics, human movement, and nutrition. This theme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to drive transformative research that improves health and wellbeing globally, influencing policy and practice across biomedical science, health technologies, psychology, and health policy.
Theme Leads:
- Professor Rob Anderson (University of Exeter)
- Professor Nicolas Gilson (University of Queensland)
Aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
3 - Good Health and Well-being
6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
This theme focuses on advancing scientific understanding and solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Combining strengths in climate change, clean energy, marine and coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, antimicrobial resistance, food security, and sustainable agriculture, the partnership aims to promote sustainable resource management, climate resilience, effective governance, and societal engagement with environmental issues.
Theme Leads:
- Dr Ruth Thurstan (University of Exeter)
- Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon (University of Queensland)
- Professor Peter Mumby (University of Queensland)
Aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
13 - Climate Action
14 - Life Below Water
15 - Life on Land
Digitalisation is reshaping how we live and work, creating new opportunities and challenges across society and industry.
This theme integrates expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and virtual reality with social sciences research into the cultural, economic, and societal impacts of digital transformation. Together, the partnership examines the risks, ethics, and innovations driving the digital future.
Theme Leads:
- Professor Achim Brucker (University of Exeter)
- Associate Professor Stephen Viller (University of Queensland)
Aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10 - Reduced Inequalities
16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
17 - Partnerships for the Goals
Minerals underpin modern life - from construction and agriculture to communication and renewable energy. This theme addresses the challenges of mineral supply, environmental impacts, and social considerations by driving innovation and sustainable practices in mineral discovery, processing, and use.
The partnership focuses on fundamental science and practical solutions to promote responsible mineral security worldwide.
Theme Leads:
- Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards (University of Exeter)
- Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite (University of Queensland)
Aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals:
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
13 - Climate Action