Driving innovation and growth in northern Tasmania
The Launceston Institute has been designed to connect university researchers with industry and community to help drive innovation, growth, and productivity in northern Tasmania. By providing a framework to bring people together, encourage conversations, and build connections, we aim to support and increase industry research partnerships and enrolments and respond to the social and economic needs of the region.
Focus areas
Through industry collaboration and engagement, it is our aim for researchers and higher degree by research students to develop ongoing relationships with local leaders, aligning with their areas of focus.
The Institute supports research capabilities and regional leadership in sectors and industries where northern Tasmania has a competitive advantage.
The University creates solutions-focused research that supports a sustainable, low-carbon forest and wood products sector, driving innovation, adding value, and building climate resilience in northern Tasmania and beyond. The institute connects the local industry with national R&D priorities through the work of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), headquartered at Newnham, and supports projects that address forest health, climate resilience, and circular bioeconomy opportunities.
The University engages in industry-informed research that supports Tasmania’s productivity and strengthens the role of business and industry as drivers of regional innovation and economic resilience. This involves partnering with businesses, government, and community to co-design research questions and projects with measurable and local impact, particularly in areas of productivity, sustainability, and regional development.
The University nurtures innovation and resilience in northern Tasmania’s food systems by leading research that addresses food security and adds value to Launceston’s thriving agrifood ecosystem. This involves supporting FermentHQ, where they facilitate industry led research projects and partnerships to connect local businesses and startups with researchers to develop and test new products and processes.
Launceston Regional Impact Research Internship
The Launceston Institute brings together researchers, industry, government, and community to drive innovation, growth, and regional impact in northern Tasmania. Recent engagement highlights show strong enthusiasm from local industry and community leaders for deeper collaboration that supports productivity and regional development.
By hosting a Regional Impact Research Internship, your organisation can partner with the University's researchers to tackle real‑world challenges and gain fresh insights. Research internships typically provide structured collaboration, clear roles and responsibilities, and support from qualified supervisors within your organisation, ensuring meaningful outcomes that align with your priorities.
Join us in building a stronger, more innovative northern Tasmania through evidence‑based solutions and future-ready talent.
Events
Commencing in February 2025 with the official launch of the Launceston Institute, we delivered a diverse program of events and connection activities spanning agriculture and food systems, sustainability and climate adaptation, health and wellbeing, education pathways, and research translation. We had a range of partner initiatives, applied workshops and forums on behavioural insights, mental health, governance, and innovation, demonstrating strong alignment to the Institute’s focus on place-based research impact and cross-sector collaboration.
Upcoming events
Stay connected with the Launceston Institute
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Check out our past eNews editions, which include a regional roundup of research and outcomes:
Launceston Institute leadership team
Latest news
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Learn about the Launceston Institute and how to get involved by emailing Launceston.Institute@utas.edu.au