2018 has certainly presented opportunities beyond expectations for The University of Queensland’s Centre for Policy Futures.
The Centre was established with a very clear remit to strengthen connections between the University’s academic community, and the practice of policy and investment decision-making. In our first full year of operation, I am proud of the early progress we have made in informing policy debate and shaping public policy.
Since its establishment in mid-2017, the Centre has established partnerships and projects with both state and federal governments, and the private sector. We have engaged a quarter of Queensland Parliamentarians through the UQ Future Conversations briefing series; collaborated with researchers across more than 30 UQ units; trained 100 UQ academics through the Getting Research into Policy and Practice workshops; and established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) activation series.
While these numbers are important, I recognise our broader objective for genuine impact, through better informed public policy and greater engagement between the academic community and bureaucrats. Rather than researching the theory of public policy and governance, we are very much interested in current policy development. Our researchers provide academic rigour and expertise to elected representatives and policy makers in a range of areas relating to Queensland, Australia and the Pacific. In 2019, I look forward to continuing to lead the team, which remains committed to achieving impact across the region.
The Centre for Policy Futures has had significant support in 2018. I extend my appreciation to the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Provost for their guidance, and my thanks to researchers and support staff within the Centre for their on-going efforts..
Professor Karen Husssey
Director
Click here to view the Centre for Policy Futures 2018 Annual Report >>>