Changing behaviour to bring about real-life solutions and strengthen Queensland's biosecurity protections is at the heart of this year's QUT Nudgeathon, a competition run next week in partnership with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and the Invasive Species Council.
The annual event is now in its ninth year and growing in popularity, with 15 participating teams this year from all over Australia, including the University of New South Wales, University of Canberra, the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australia Government (BETA), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the University of Western Australia.
Over two and a half days, teams will collaborate to develop solutions to real-world challenges that threaten Queensland's biosecurity every day. They will apply "nudges" – a concept in behavioural economics – using subtle, often low-cost interventions to influence decision making and encourage better outcomes. For example, placing boot-cleaning stations at hiking trail entrances or adding a hand-sanitiser station at entry points to reduce pathogen spread.
In previous years, teams have collaborated to find ways to promote preparedness for biosecurity emergencies to encourage more farmers to have on-farm biosecurity plans or find ways to engage more citizen scientists so they will report on biosecurity risks and hazards.
This year, teams will be presented with the brief: "How can we modify 'risk creator' behaviour to protect Queensland from new potentially serious invasive plants and animals?". Teams will have access to a range of resources and expert guidance to support the development of their nudge-based strategies.
QUT event lead Dr Stephen Whyte said Nudgeathon was a transformative, socially impactful collaboration between the QUT Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and the Invasive Species Council.
"It's a high energy event that supports the next generation of behavioural economics and biosecurity experts to practically test their skills, knowledge and innovation in a real world setting with current policy makers," he said.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer, Dr Rachel Chay said Nudgeathon identifies new and creative ways to solve biosecurity problems.
"Engaging with enthusiastic and curious minds to help with our biggest biosecurity risks is something we all really look forward to".
"Getting a fresh perspective on the challenges and barriers to success from people who are unencumbered with established ways of thinking about things is such a wonderful opportunity," Dr Chay said.
The event reinforces that biosecurity is a shared responsibility, empowering young people to play an active role in protecting Queensland's industries, economy, environment, biodiversity and way of life from emerging threats.
Nudgeathon 2026 will be held on 7-9 April 2026 at the QUT Gardens Point campus. Observers are welcome. To purchase a ticket, visit the link.
