Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, more frequent and more disruptive. From ransomware attacks and large-scale data breaches to AI-generated scams, deepfakes and future risks posed by quantum computing, organisations and governments face a rapidly changing threat landscape. Through the UQ Cyber Research Centre, researchers are bringing together expertise in artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital forensics and organisational resilience to help strengthen Australia's cyber capability and build a more secure digital future.
UQ Cyber Research Centre connects researchers, industry and government to develop AI-enabled solutions for emerging cyber security challenges.
What's the problem?
Cyber security is no longer simply a technology challenge. Organisations and governments must defend against increasingly complex threats, including AI-enabled cyber-attacks, ransomware, misinformation campaigns, deepfakes, data breaches and emerging risks from quantum computing. At the same time, there is a growing shortage of cyber security professionals and increasing demand for practical solutions that can be rapidly translated into industry.
Recent high-profile cyber incidents affecting governments, critical infrastructure and major organisations around the world have highlighted the significant economic, operational and societal impacts that cyber-attacks can cause. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations need new approaches that combine technology, expertise and resilience to protect critical systems and services.
These challenges require expertise that spans technology, people, organisations and policy. No single discipline can address them alone.
What's UQ's innovation?
The UQ Cyber Research Centre brings together more than 70 researchers across 13 disciplines across UQ to tackle cyber security challenges through interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration and talent development. The Centre serves as a hub connecting researchers, government agencies, industry partners and the broader cyber security community.
Artificial intelligence is a major focus of the Centre's research. Researchers are investigating how AI can strengthen cyber security through intelligent threat detection, automated response systems, behavioural analysis and predictive approaches that help organisations identify and address risks before they become serious incidents. For example, UQ Cyber researchers are researching autonomous cyber defence systems to protect and ensure the safety of power grids and industrial robotics. This work aims to shift cyber security from reactive defence towards proactive, intelligent protection.
The Centre also leads research in areas such as post-quantum cryptography, quantum safety testing, digital forensics, organisational cyber resilience and secure AI systems, helping organisations prepare for both today's threats and tomorrow's challenges. Through partnerships with industry and government, research is translated into practical tools, technologies and capability-building initiatives.
What's the impact?
The UQ Cyber Research Centre is helping strengthen Australia's cyber resilience by combining world-class research with industry engagement, workforce development and international collaboration. Its projects support the development of new technologies, cyber security capability, policy advice and practical solutions for organisations across multiple sectors.
The Centre maintains active partnerships with organisations across Australia and internationally, including collaborations in Singapore, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Europe and North America. These partnerships help accelerate innovation and create opportunities for Australian organisations to engage with global cyber security networks.
The Centre is also helping develop the next generation of cyber security leaders through postgraduate education, industry-sponsored projects and international cyber competitions.
Did you know?
UQ Cyber founded Team Oceania, which competes against leading cyber security teams from around the world. The team achieved third place at the International Cybersecurity Challenge in 2024 and 2026, and second place in 2023, helping showcase the strength of emerging cyber talent from the region.
Led by
The UQ Cyber Research Centre brings together experts in artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital forensics, organisational resilience, software systems and data science from across The University of Queensland.
UQ Research Team
- Professor Ryan Ko (Centre Director)
- Associate Professor Dan Kim
- Dr Priyanka Singh
| AI Research Strength | Human-Centred AI |
|---|---|
| Industry Portfolio | Defence, Cyber Security & National Security |
Published 15 September 2026