Two UQ staff members in animated discussion, sitting outside. One is wearing a hidden disability sunflower lanyard.

Disability Collaboratory

Transforming society through inclusive, interdisciplinary research.

Inclusion drives innovation

The UQ Disability Collaboratory is a University-wide network driving social change through disability inclusion.

We bring together researchers, practitioners, and people with lived experience to break down barriers, influence policy and design solutions that benefit everyone.

Guided by UQ’s Disability Inclusion Research and Innovation Plan, we see inclusion not only as a core value, but as a driver for innovation and impact.

Our core principles

Co-design

We work alongside people with lived experience to shape research from the ground up.

Intersectionality

We recognise the diverse experiences of disability across gender, culture, age and context.

Accessibility

We prioritise accessible practices in our research, partnerships and events, so everyone can participate fully.

Impact

We focus on creating evidence and solutions that lead to lasting change in policy, practice and communities.

Get involved in the collaboratory

You're invited to join our growing network.

You can participate in a way that suits you. Share your lived experience, participate in research, join a committee, or engage in another way.

Complete our form and tell us how you'd like to be involved.

Become a collaborator

Why we exist

At UQ, disability inclusion is a core priority aligned with our strategic values. Inclusive research and collaboration are crucial to ensuring that knowledge and innovation benefit everyone.

The Disability Collaboratory supports UQ’s broader strategy by:

  • contributing to research excellence through interdisciplinary collaboration
  • promoting accessible education and employment
  • supporting inclusive research practices
  • building partnerships that empower people with disability.

Learn about the strategies that guide our work:

How we work

We create change through our unique approach.

  • Interdisciplinary research teams. We connect expertise from law, health, engineering, design, education and beyond to tackle complex challenges.
  • Partnerships with disabled communities. We embed lived experience at every stage, ensuring our work reflects real needs and priorities.
  • Translational research. We transform ideas into tools, policies and programs that improve lives and influence systems.

Research themes

Our diverse network collaborates across a range of research themes related to disability, including:

  • health, wellbeing and physical activity
  • inclusive ageing and lifelong wellbeing
  • innovative disability services and policy
  • communication, access and participation
  • education and childhood development
  • employment, equity and economic participation.
The UQ Disability Collaboratory core team, Professor Paul Harpur, Professor Sean Tweedy and Dr Charlotte Petit.

Meet the team

Accessibility and inclusion disclaimer

We're committed to making our content as inclusive and accessible as possible.

If you encounter any barriers, difficulties, or have suggestions for how we can improve accessibility or language, we warmly welcome your feedback. Contact us at disabilitycollaboratory@uq.edu.au