Global Development Hub

The GD Hub promotes the capabilities of UQ’s expertise across six broad thematic areas. 

Our themes

As part of UQ's Global Development Impact Plan, we have identified six strategic themes which are relevant to development sector priorities. Explore our strengths in each of the areas listed below. 

• Environment
• Agriculture
• Health
• Governance and Public Policy
• Energy and Resources
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Theme Leads

Global Development Theme Lead roles have been established to propel the implementation of the Global Development Impact Plan. 

Meet our Theme Leads

Associate Professor Joerg Henning, Theme Lead: Agriculture

Joerg is a Veterinary epidemiologist with over 15 years of research experience in epidemiology and biostatistics, with a focus on international animal health and production in low and middle-income countries. Has successfully obtained collaborative research investments for global agriculture development from a wide range of Australian (ACIAR) and international (DIFID, IMMANA, MSSRF, BBSRC) organisations. With a passion for Global Development in agriculture that is based on broad and transdisciplinary partnerships between different schools within universities, industry bodies, government organisations and small – and medium-scale farming communities.

Dr Paul Rogers, Theme Lead: Energy & Resources

Paul is a researcher focused on finding new and innovative ways to promote sustainable development in communities and regions impacted by the extractive industries, particularly the Development Minerals Sector, in the Asia-Pacific region. Current research projects include a study on regional minerals cooperation in Southeast Asia for the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a project on sourcing sustainable aggregate for the infrastructure sectors in Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Associate Professor Karen McNamara, Theme Lead: Environment

Karen is a human geographer that is interested in how people’s livelihoods (in a broad sense) can be enhanced to respond to poverty, disaster risk and climate change. Currently managing a significant four-year project on climate-induced non-economic loss, grief and recovery in the Cook Islands and Vanuatu in close partnership with local, grassroots organisations.

Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne, Theme Lead: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Martie-Louise studies how small and entrepreneurial businesses leverage capabilities and networks to support innovation. Particularly interested in the processes and technologies of open innovation and how it applies to social or environmental innovation and how it plays out in regions such as South East Asia and Africa.