The memorandum of understanding was created to promote sector related science careers, the attraction and retention of women in the resources sector and the promotion of science in Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy schools.

QRC chief executive Michael Roche said the agreement would be of great benefit to both the CSIRO and the QRC.

"Working with the CSIRO will not only give additional impetus to our careers and attraction and retention programs, but also further raise awareness of the world-class minerals and energy research and development being undertaken right here in Queensland by the CSIRO," he said.

Roche said due to the current skills shortage it is essential to promote science in schools to get students interested in becoming engineers, geologists and other science-based resource careers.

"And part of that is increasing the sector's profile amongst women to encourage them to consider the sector as a career option," he said.

"At present women make up just 12 percent of the workforce, and in non-traditional roles such as engineering and geology they represent just 6 percent of our employees.

"Through our well-established Women in Resources Action Plan we hope to double the percentage of women in non-traditional roles by 2020."