In the contemporary era of social media, through which opinions with little evidentiary foundation can be articulated prominently and forcefully, the value of a publication that has been subjected to critical review by experts is greater than ever.

Correspondingly, the role of a learned society becomes more important than ever. The publication of peer-reviewed investigations is the bedrock activity of The Royal Society of Queensland.

The Society presents two lines of refereed publications in addition to its non-refereed websites and newsletters: its Proceedings, dating from 1885, and its Occasional Papers, dating from 2024.