About us

For more than a decade, the UQ Centre for Natural Gas has been recognised as a leading voice of independent research into all aspects of Australia’s onshore gas industry.

As Queensland's world-class CGS to LNG projects were advanced by leading Australian and international companies, The University of Queensland saw the need for a coordinated approach to research address industry, government and community challenges. The UQ Centre for Natural Gas was established to deliver real-world research for these stakeholders and to support the development of highly skilled graduates.

The UQ Centre for Natural Gas is funded through a membership model, which ensures the Centre continues to undertake relevant, practical research. Currently, Members fund approximately 42 per cent of the Centre’s research and educational activities, with remaining funds coming from other industry (16 per cent), UQ (21 per cent) and government (20 per cent).

Investigators conduct real-world projects focussed on optimising Australia’s natural gas sector in terms of environmental performance, social performance, and cost and operational optimisation (which in turns affect both availability and market price). The Centre for Natural Gas works closely with industry on the delivery of research, to ensure projects that are ‘fit-for-purpose’ and have direct application.

The Centre also provides independent advice to state and federal governments on social, regulatory and environmental impacts of the gas sector. We are regular contributors to policy debate, and an active participant in community seminars and meetings.

The Centre draws on the extensive research and educational capabilities within The University of Queensland, with more than 100 researchers from across UQ undertaking research through the UQ CNG. In addition to academic partners across Australia and internationally.

Investment has benefitted more than 100 PhD and Masters students who have contributed to research projects in the Centre and who now work in technical and social roles in energy companies globally.