The research numbers are in. Research investment is Queensland's economic advantage.

A new report from BDO Australia makes the case clear. Investment in research infrastructure stands to gain between $2.40 and $6 for every dollar spent, delivering real economic benefits for Queenslanders.

For The University of Queensland, Australia’s #1 university for research commercialisation, that return is already visible. UQ’s commercialisation program has generated more than $88.5 billion in global product sales, established more than 135 companies, and maintains more than 240 active licence agreements.

AIBN Interim Executive Director Professor Kristofer Thurecht said the numbers reflect a sustained and deliberate approach to translating research capability into economic impact.

“These outcomes don’t happen by accident,” Professor Thurecht said.

“They are the result of long-term investment in people, infrastructure and the partnerships that turn discovery into real outcomes that benefit all society.”

UQ’s research capability is underpinned by national research infrastructure, including 12 NCRIS-supported facilities co-funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. AIBN houses 9 of these, more than any other research facility in Australia. The NCRIS facilities, including the expert staff who operate them, enable both discovery science and translational outcomes that often lead to commercialisation.

A prime example is UQ’s Molecular Clamp technology, developed and tested in part within AIBN laboratories and later acquired by Sanofi in a deal valued at ~US$1.6 billion. It remains the largest transaction involving intellectual property from an Australian university and highlights the commercial value of sustained investment in research capability.

This deal will also contribute to a new Commercialisation Fund, set to be established in 2026, focused on creating pre-seed and seed funding opportunities for companies translating UQ research. It builds upon more than $1 billion already reinvested by UQ into Queensland.

“We’re incredibly proud AIBN plays such a significant role in creating these global innovations and economic opportunities,” Professor Thurecht said.

“Research infrastructure is not a cost burden, it is a high performing economic asset, and the numbers make that case clearly.”

According to the report, Australia is not fully capitalising on this opportunity and Queensland’s R&D expenditure sits at just 0.5% of Gross State Product, around half that of Victoria and New South Wales.

“If we can close the gap, we have a unique opportunity to scale innovation and build global competitiveness that attracts capital, talent and strengthens partnerships.

“We are seeing clear signs of momentum, with encouraging signs from government, particularly in recognising the need for reform and the importance of global collaboration,” Professor Thurecht said.

“Negotiations to join Horizon Europe send a clear message that Australia is serious about engaging in large-scale, international research and innovation.

“The release of the Ambition Australia report suggests we’re on the edge of what could be transformational for the economy.”

BDO Australia estimates that a $220 million R&D Attraction Fund in Queensland alone could unlock $660 million in co-investment and generate more than $2.6 billion in economic benefit over the next decade.

"When governments invest strategically and create the right settings, it gives industry the confidence to invest alongside them," Professor Thurecht said.

"We need to exploit Queensland's rich research ecosystem, and I am encouraged to see significant steps towards this taking shape."

With the right policy settings and sustained commitment, research is set to drive new industries, strengthen economic resilience, and underpin the diversified economy a future Australia will rely on in the decades ahead.

All facts and figures are drawn from a BDO Australia report commissioned by The University of Queensland at the request of the Queensland Government. Read the impact highlights here.