Our purpose is to create a brighter future for all through high-quality education and research which transforms lives and adds to knowledge, discovery and understanding.
As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2025, we remain firmly focused on our founding ideals: to be a university driven by purpose, guided by values, defined by impact and committed to serving the many, not the few.
Griffith was established in 1975 to be a different type of university, embedding equity, inclusion and social justice at the heart of higher education. We pioneered É«ÇéÍøÕ¾’s first degrees in modern Asian studies and environmental science, and we’ve continued to lead the way in fields that matter, from First Peoples health to sustainability, education and the creative industries.
Today, our founding values are as relevant as ever and ensure our teaching and research delivers benefit for our communities. As we navigate an era of rapid change, uncertainty and opportunity, we continue to respond in ways that aim to make the world a better place for everyone. Through career-ready degrees informed by the evolving world of work, we empower our students to thrive in complex, dynamic environments and give them the tools to succeed long after they graduate.
Our Strategic Plan 2025–2030 builds on this proud history, placing purpose at the centre of everything we do, supported by a clear focus on people, partnerships and place. Through this strategy, we’re living what matters to us by expanding access to education, strengthening our community ties, and working to create a brighter future for Queensland, the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.
Values-informed challenges
Our 2025-2030 Strategy is underpinned by five values-informed challenges. These challenges guide our decision-making, teaching and research across disciplines, helping us focus on the local, national and global issues that matter.
- Indigenous flourishing—creating the conditions for Indigenous É«ÇéÍøÕ¾ns to thrive academically, socially and culturally
- A more sustainable world—working towards a thriving environment and a just transition to a more sustainable future
- Better health and wellbeing—improving the health and wellbeing of all peoples, including those who are marginalised in the current health system
- Inclusive, diverse and cohesive societies—striving towards societies where all are included. This includes a commitment to continue creating pathways to Griffith for the many rather than the few
- Technology that improves lives—contributing to the development, adoption and extension of new technologies in an ethical manner.
Values-led attributes
Our core attributes are led by our values and define who we are and how we operate as a university community. They shape our organisational culture, guide our engagement and set the standard for how we pursue our purpose.
- Excellence—We strive for distinction and quality, supporting students and staff to perform at a level of international excellence.
- Reciprocity—We engage in relationships of mutual respect, responsibility and accountability. We move beyond transactional giving and receiving to encompass a deep sense of obligation, respect and care for people, country, ancestors and future generations.
- Inclusion—We create an inclusive and diverse community for staff, students and partners, where people know they matter and have a sense of belonging.
- Integrity—We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and act fairly and transparently.
- Innovation—We are open to new ideas, new ways of doing things and new ways of thinking. We seize opportunities and recognise the need to change.
Academic plan
The Academic Plan 2021–2025 outlines our commitment to supporting the diverse cohorts of students we attract to succeed at University and go on to fulfilling careers and become Graduates: Confident to face the future.
Research and innovation plan
Our Research and Innovation Plan 2021–2025 outlines our commitment to supporting our researchers to strive for greater heights in academic excellence, innovation and delivering impact. We will retain our distinctive culture as a community of scholars to provide research solutions that will have a positive transformative effect on individual lives and communities.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
At Griffith, we commit to living our values in the way we operate our University and embed equity, diversity and inclusion in our key plans and investments. We are dedicated to building on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student and staff strengths and focusing on the success of a diverse and inclusive Griffith community.
Sustainability
Since our inception, Griffith has had an ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability. We see the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a reflection of our core values and as fundamental to implementing social, economic and environmental sustainability at Griffith and in the wider community to improve the lives of all—now and in the future.