Conservation Academy - School of the Environment

The home of tomorrow's biodiversity conservation leaders.

The Conservation Academy unites emerging leaders with a shared commitment to protecting our natural world.

Join a community of scholars dedicated to advancing conservation solutions, developing the leadership, innovation and scientific understanding needed to preserve biodiversity, and guide environmental decision-making for a healthier planet.

About the Conservation Academy

The environmental challenges of our time are becoming increasingly urgent and interconnected: biodiversity loss, ecosystem decline, climate change and habitat fragmentation. Sustainable development, conservation planning and the stewardship of our land and oceans can turn this around.

To secure a thriving future for people and nature, you can be part of a new generation of conservation changemakers equipped with scientific knowledge, practical experience and the leadership capability to transform evidence into impact.

The Conservation Academy, a joint initiative by The University of Queensland's School of the Environment and the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, exists to empower you to step forward as one of tomorrow’s conservation leaders.

As part of the Conservation Academy, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a flagship event and social activities in 2027. At the end of the year, you can apply to be a Conservation Scholar in 2028. Up to 12 students will be selected for this curated, experiential learning program that takes you beyond the classroom.

The Conservation Scholars experience

Through a distinctive program of extracurricular experiences, Conservation Scholars will engage directly with UQ-led research, conservation initiatives, and community engagement projects that complement your academic studies in ecology, environmental science, geography, marine biology and zoology.

Working alongside researchers, practitioners, NGOs and community partners, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping conservation in Australia and around the world.

As part of the Conservation Scholars cohort, you’ll dive into a rich learning ecosystem and grow through the connections you build with peers and networks. The relationships you form here will stay with you long after graduation, supporting you as you step into leadership roles across the conservation field.

You'll become an influential conservation leader, driving evidence-based solutions, inspiring collective action and building a legacy for people, wildlife and the environment.

Eligible programs

The Conservation Academy will be established from 2027.

You can sign up for this program if you’re enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program and plan, including:

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)
studying one or more of the following plans:
- Ecology and Conservation Biology
- Environmental Science
- Geographical Science
- Marine Biology
- Zoology
- Entomology
Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours)
Bachelor of Wildlife Science

Conservation Scholars program

After completing a year in the Conservation Academy, you’re eligible to apply for the Conservation Scholars program. Twelve places will be available per year and the first cohort will begin in 2028.

As a Conservation Scholar, you’ll receive undergraduate membership with UQ’s Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), providing access to a unique network of researchers, mentors and professional development opportunities for the reminder of your undergraduate program.

Dedicated research mentoring

Receive guidance and support from CBCS researchers throughout your studies, helping you navigate academic pathways, explore career opportunities and build valuable professional connections

Exclusive access to the conservation community

Attend CBCS seminars, guest lectures, workshops, networking events and social gatherings featuring leading researchers, conservation practitioners, policymakers and industry professionals

Academic and career development support

Access tailored advice from program and plan convenors to support your academic success, professional growth and transition into conservation and environmental careers.

Hands-on research experience

Contribute to cutting-edge conservation research through opportunities to participate in laboratory, field-based and data-driven projects alongside CBCS researchers and research teams.

Real world conservation engagement

Gain practical experience by contributing to a diverse range of biodiversity, conservation and community engagement initiatives that address contemporary environmental challenges.

Interdisciplinary field experiences

Participate in immersive field trips that bring together students from diverse disciplines, developing leadership, communication, cross-cultural collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills in real-world conservation settings, including UQ’s Moreton Bay, Heron Island and Hidden Vale research stations.

A lifelong professional network

Join a vibrant community of fellow students, researchers, alumni and conservation professionals committed to advancing evidence-based solutions for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Conservation Scholars Digital Enrichment Badge

students in the field As a Conservation Scholar, you will graduate with the Conservation Scholars Digital Enrichment Badge, awarded through UQ and administered by the School of the Environment.

This credential formally recognises the knowledge, skills, leadership capabilities and professional experience gained through participation as a Conservation Scholar in the Academy's enrichment and experiential learning opportunities outside of your studies.

The badge provides verified evidence of your achievement, showcasing your engagement in conservation-focused research, community initiatives, professional development and leadership activities beyond the classroom.

The Digital Enrichment Badge can be shared across professional platforms including LinkedIn, digital résumés, portfolios and email signatures, enabling you to clearly demonstrate your distinctive capabilities to employers, research organisations, government agencies and industry partners.

The achievement will also be recognised on your UQ graduation transcript, providing a lasting record of your commitment to conservation leadership and professional development.

By receiving this badge, you leave UQ with more than a degree; you graduate with a recognised credential that highlights your readiness to lead, innovate and make a meaningful contribution to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.

Join the Conservation Academy

Apply now

How to support the Academy

We’re equipping a cohort of exceptional young minds with the capacity to lead global biodiversity conservation.

Donor support is crucial to achieving this.

Why we need programs like this now

student in the field UQ is at the forefront of biodiversity and conservation teaching and research, driving new knowledge and fostering future leaders. And still, the ecological challenges we face grow in complexity and impact. Moving the dial demands creative, critical thinkers – emerging innovators with the vision, practical understanding and passion to solve pressing problems.

Gone are the days of exploring one problem at a time, in relative isolation. Today’s scientists and environmental innovators grapple with a web of inter-related puzzles that touch every aspect of our lives, from the water we drink, to the food we eat, to where and how we live. All connected. All calling out for lasting solutions.

Enter the UQ Conservation Academy, offering an enriched educational experience uniquely curated to bring out the very best in students with a passion to create change. They will learn from the best, inside and outside the classroom, bolstered by industry interface, immersive research opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration and community connection.

A shared goal

The Conservation Academy will launch in 2027 and is open to undergraduate students with an ardent interest in biodiversity and conservation and a desire to innovate and create lasting impact.

All students will have the opportunity to participate in at least 3 dedicated learning experiences as part of Academy membership. At the end of each year, 12 students will be selected to continue as Conservation Scholars for the remainder of their undergraduate program.

Throughout their degrees, Conservation Scholars will be mentored by academics and researchers in UQ’s Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS). Their learning will be enriched by access to thought and practice leaders, interdisciplinary collaboration, study trips and guided outreach.

They will tackle real-world biodiversity challenges, participate in field studies and explore solutions in iconic immersive environments like UQ’s Moreton Bay, Hidden Vale and Heron Island research stations.

Join the community of support

$50,000 will launch the Conservation Academy in 2027 and support the first cohort of Conservation Scholars.

Gifts of all amounts will help us to reach this goal.

Make a gift online

Contact us

Alongside Conservation Academy programming, scholarships provide critical support to students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend university. In alignment with UQ’s Queensland Commitment, we believe in equitable access to education for all Queenslanders and welcome the opportunity to partner with you.

For more information or to have a conversation about how you can get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Brenda Tournier or Anthea Barry.