Research at JCU
JCU is committed to research that aims to address global challenges and improve outcomes for those living in the Tropics. Within Australia and across the globe, JCU prioritises high quality, high impact research. From marine science to tropical medicine, and tourism to biodiversity, our academics engage with colleagues around the world to be at the forefront of innovation within their fields. Discover how JCU is creating research with impact.
Partner with us
JCU works in partnership with business, industry, government and the community to deliver high-quality research which delivers outcomes and creates lasting benefits for our region and a brighter future for the tropics generally. To talk about your next project, what you would like to achieve, your potential markets and partners and how to protect your intellectual property, contact us at researchpartnerships@jcu.edu.au.
Student Opportunities
Change direction or accelerate your career with a JCU postgraduate research degree. Be supported to cultivate your passions, respond to complex challenges and develop innovative research skills. You can enhance your critical and creative thinking skills and launch your research career. Find out How to Apply for a Graduate Research degree
Facilities for Research
JCU provides unique facilities for research including
- Daintree Rainforest Observatory features a canopy crane to observe ecological, physiological and atmospheric processes in lowland tropical rainforest.
- Fletcherview Research Station offers quality, industry-standard livestock handling facilities for research, set within a fully operational outback cattle station.
- Orpheus Island Research Station provides access to the Great Barrier Reef's inshore reefs and islands, shipwreck sites and marine habitats.
Interdisciplinary Institutes and Centres
Institutes and Centres at JCU bring together researchers from across the University to work on a defined mission.
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) Evidence to action in global tropical health and medicine
- The Cairns Institute Research, training, dialogue, and partnerships in tropical societies
- Tropical Futures Institute Improving tropical futures through research that has impact for people, environments & economies
- TropWATER Securing the future of water ecosystems to maintain their critical functional processes
- Australian Tropical Herbarium A leader in tropical plant biodiversity research
- Indigenous Education and Research Centre A leader in providing Indigenous education, research and engagement
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures. Generating a new direction in knowledge creation based on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led approaches to managing Land and Sea Country