The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Ltd

24/10/2026

The 2026 RGSQ Student Scientific Studies Research Grant has been awarded to Ella Rommel of James Cook University for her MPhil project on sediment transport and the morphological stability of reef islands on the Great Barrier Reef.

Her research will investigate how wave and current energy drives sediment transport and shoreline change on reef islands, helping improve understanding of island stability and resilience under changing climatic conditions.

Support through the RGSQ Environmental Fund helps make this work possible.

https://rgsq.org.au/donate

22/10/2026

It is encouraging to see the value of geographical context and place-based approaches embraced in science, innovation and governance.

Queensland's diversity is one of its greatest strengths. 🌍 That also means the opportunities and challenges facing a coastal community, regional city or remote town can be vastly different, and so can the science and innovation needed to address them. 🔍🧠

Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, and JCU: James Cook University, Australia Professor Martin Nakata are exploring how a place-based approach can help connect scientific capability, local knowledge and community leadership to create stronger outcomes for Queenslanders.

Read about it here: https://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/science-comms/articles/reimagining-science-innovation-public-purpose

16/10/2026

RGSQ Lecture Series | The enduring health impacts of war

When wars end, their dangers don’t. Unexploded ordnance, landmines and wartime pollution continue to affect communities, ecosystems and public health for decades after conflict has ended.

Join the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland on Tuesday 3 November for a lecture by Dr Stacey Pizzino, University of Queensland, examining the long-term health and environmental consequences of war’s remnants.

Drawing on research involving more than 100,000 casualties of explosive ordnance and fieldwork across the Asia-Pacific, Dr Pizzino will explore how unexploded weapons and wartime contamination cause injury and disability, pollute land and water, disrupt livelihoods and strain health services. She will also consider how climate change may be reshaping these risks and why the legacy of conflict needs to be recognised as a public health priority.

Tuesday 3 November 2026
7:30–9:00 pm
In-person or via Zoom

Register via the RGSQ website: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6877643

15/10/2026

Some research can only be done by being there.

Christopher Hogan’s project on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme relied on fieldwork and interviews in regional Queensland to better understand participants’ experiences, wellbeing and development outcomes.

Support from the RGSQ Environmental Fund helped make that work possible.

Donate now at https://rgsq.org.au/donate

29/09/2026

"Receiving the RGSQ Student Scientific Studies Research Grant provided valuable support for advancing my research, particularly by facilitating fieldwork and analytical work.”

Dr Bohao D**g, recipient of the inaugural 2024 RGSQ Student Scientific Studies Research Grant, used the support of the Environmental Fund to advance research into seasonal palaeoenvironmental conditions during the late Little Ice Age, reconstructed from a giant clam that lived broadly between 1785 and 1827.

The RGSQ Environmental Fund helps make this kind of work possible.

Donate to the RGSQ Environmental Fund: https://rgsq.org.au/donate

22/09/2026

What does the RGSQ Environmental Fund support?

Recent student grants have contributed to:
• Research into seasonal palaeoenvironmental conditions during the late Little Ice Age, reconstructed from a giant clam that lived broadly between 1785 and 1827
• Field-based research in Bundaberg exploring labour mobility and regional community experiences
• Investigation of sediment transport and reef island stability on the Great Barrier Reef

These projects reflect the breadth and applied nature of research supported by The RGSQ Environmental Fund.

Donations are tax deductible.

If you'd like to support the next generation of environmental research, donate at https://rgsq.org.au/donate

15/09/2026

🌊 What’s the catch with the seafood on your plate?

Australians eat plenty of seafood, but around 70% of what we consume is imported. So where does it come from, and how sustainable is it?

Join The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Ltd for our October RGSQ Lecture with Dr Rosa Dominguez Martinez, marine conservation scientist and Postdoctoral Researcher at The University of Queensland.

Rosa will take us from ocean to plate, exploring the environmental and social sustainability of Australia’s seafood supply. Her research examines whether the seafood we consume may be linked to threatened species, illegal fishing or modern slavery and whether international laws and agreements are working.

She’ll also look at what Australia can do to improve seafood sustainability, along with practical advice for making more sustainable seafood choices.

Tuesday 6 October 2026
7:30–9:00 pm
Gregory Place, Level 1/28 Fortescue St, Spring Hill
Or join via Zoom

🐟 What’s on your plate may have a much bigger story behind it.

Register at: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6828802

25/08/2026

Geography Now: An Emerging Researchers Showcase 🌏

What are the next generation of geographers researching?

Join RGSQ for Geography Now, our annual emerging researchers showcase, hosted by the Young Geographers.

Hear from postgraduate students and early career professionals as they present their research in a series of fast-paced 15-minute presentations, covering a range of contemporary geographical topics, perspectives, methods and technologies.

The presentations will be followed by a panel-style Q&A, giving the audience an opportunity to explore the research in more depth and put their questions to the speakers.

Tuesday 1 September 2026
7:30–9:00pm (AEST)
Gregory Place, Level 1/28 Fortescue St, Spring Hill
Also available via Zoom

So, come along and support the next generation of geographical researchers!

Registrations are open and we hope to see you there: https://rgsq.org.au/event-6804597

10/08/2026

A reminder that The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland and the University of Queensland School of the Environment have organised a public forum with an excellent panel of speakers to present some critical perspectives on Immigration in Australia. We hope you can join us for this important event.

🗓️ Friday 28 August, 2026
🕰️ 1:45-5pm; please arrive by 1.30pm
followed by St Lucy’s café for social drinks 5-7pm

VENUE: The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Andrew N. Liveris building 46 room 342

CHAIRS: Dr Iraphne Childs, RGSQ; Assoc. Prof. Thomas Sigler, UQ-SENV
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Associate Prof. Elin Charles-Edwards UQ SENV “Australian Immigration Trends: Composition, Sources and Prospects”
SPEAKERS:
- Assoc. Prof. Aude Bernard UQ-SENV
“Becoming permanently temporary: a population-level analysis of visa trajectories in Australia 2006-2023”
- Assoc. Prof. Thomas Sigler UQ-SENV
“Four Brisbanes, Three Melbournes: Exploring Clustering in International Migration Populations”
- Dr. Rennie Lee UQ-ISSR
“Longitudinal Pathways of Student Visa Holders”

ATTENDANCE COST (includes afternoon tea)
General public: $20 (Zoom $10)
RGSQ Members: $5 (Zoom $5)
UQ Staff free
Students free

Register at https://rgsq.org.au/event-6574798

17/07/2026