The UQ Dow Centre is committed to delivering solutions to globally significant challenges by generating and communicating new knowledge and analysis.

We bring together cutting-edge science, multidisciplinary research and systems analysis, along with world-class education to deliver innovations which have a significant impact on both sustainability and the economy.

The mission of the UQ Dow Centre is to provide thought leadership, and to facilitate innovation, in the sustainable production and use of energy and materials.

Established in 2014 through the generous donation of US$10 million from the Dow Chemical Company, the Centre leads a number of research projects which aim to make original and significant contributions to global sustainability. The UQ Dow Centre is part of the School of Chemical Engineering, an international leader in chemical engineering education and research.

Research at the Centre is interdisciplinary, with a strong techno-economic focus on the viability of industry transitions, delivered through collaboration across UQ and leading research, industry and government partners worldwide.

UQ Dow Centre focuses on 4 core research themes:

UQ Dow Centre Four Core Research Themes

The Dow Chemical Company

In 2012 the University of Queensland received a US$10M donation from the Dow Chemical Company to establish the UQ Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation. The Dow Chemical Company anchored the formation of the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering innovation with their extraordinary gift, and in 2018 reaffirmed their generous support with a further gift of US$3.5 M ($4.4 M).

The cutting-edge research being undertaken at the Dow Centre would not be possible without the vision and longstanding support of the Dow Chemical Company.

Dow’s support has also made possible the endowment of the Dow Chair in Sustainable Engineering Innovation at UQ, securing the Centre’s ongoing capacity to deliver leading research and innovation in the sustainable production of energy and materials.

Dow’s philanthropic support has also provided scholarships for talented undergraduate and postgraduate students to undertake work-integrated learning, pursue a world-class education, and contribute new knowledge toward creating change that advances society.

The Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation

Trevor St Baker AO and his wife Judith St Baker have been long-standing supporters of the University and their community, spearheading multiple investment and philanthropic initiatives that build breakthrough technologies in the fields of energy, transport, and healthcare.

Their stunning generosity was recognised in 2018, when the Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation donated $1.5 M to establish the prestigious Tritium Fellowship in ElectroMobility (e-Mobility) at the UQ Dow Centre.

Trevor and Judith St Baker’s historic gift will bring world-leading experts to UQ to lead research activities directed toward advancing the performance, economics and uptake of e-Mobility globally.

Research undertaken by the Fellow will inform public policy, investment decisions, technology innovation, public health studies and community behaviour to support the transition to sustainable, low-emission, electric-powered transportation.