Research Projects
A Forensic Approach to Elucidating the Life History of the Deadly Jellyfish Chironex fleckeri using eDNA. (Old ID 27045)
Scott Morrissey
01 Nov 2020 - 31 Oct 2022
The polyps of the deadly Chironex fleckeri represent the longest-lived stage of jellyfish and are the source of medusa. However, there is almost no information on the benthic polyp stages of this species. Environmental DNA should allow me to detect polyps and therefore identify the sources of jellyfish which will increase our understanding of cubozoan ecology and how to minimise their threat of envenomating humans. Further, oceanographic modelling, that incorporates the decay of eDNA, will provide greater knowledge of ‘DNA’ halos’ that signals proximity to targeted polyp beds and jellyfish aggregations.
Science Partnerships in RRAP (Old ID 27111)
Ian McLeod
01 Jan 2021 - 04 Sep 2024
The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) is a >$100M multi-institution 10-year research program designed to accelerate the resilience and recovery of corals reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. This project will provide coordination and leadership for the many science programs in the RRAP, support management, deliver milestones and assist research coordination and future planning.
Developing culturally appropriate mental health assessment tools for older adults living in the Torres Strait (Old ID 27220)
Sarah Russell
01 Jul 2021 - 31 Aug 2026
The aim of the study is to develop culturally appropriate mental health assessment tools for older adults (e.g. aged 45 and over) living in the Torres Strait. Data from yarning circles with Torres Strait community members and health care staff will be used to identify how mental health disorders are expressed in the Torres Strait. A Delphi process will then be used to identify appropriate tools for assessing these domains of mental ill health for use in older adults in the Torres Strait. These tools will then be piloted to determine acceptability and validated for use in the Torres Strait.
The KidGen National Kidney Genomics Program – improving genomic outcomes for Australian families with genetic kidney disease (Old ID 27287)
Andrew Mallett
01 Jun 2021 - 31 Dec 2026
The KidGen National Kidney Genomic Program is an Australian national and translational genomics program addressing the clinical need to urgently improve identification and diagnosis of novel monogenic rare kidney diseases. Our vision is to improve the diagnostic and clinical outcomes of Australian patients and families affected by genetic kidney disease (GKD) through personalised application of novel genomic approaches at national scale and within a multidisciplinary context. We will materially increase the genetic diagnosis rate in this space towards 70% by 2025 whilst enabling earlier and more efficient genomic diagnosis of rare kidney disorders. World-leading genomic approaches will be utilised to improve connection and capacity, including the application of advanced research and functional genomics to identify and validate novel gene variants in our extensive patient cohort. Through our established national network of multidisciplinary clinics this will inform clinical options and pathways for affected Australian families and accelerate translation and integration of genomics knowledge and technology into kidney clinical practice.
Marine plant survey of the Half Tide Tug Harbour Hay Point (Old ID 27445)
Paul York
01 Sep 2021 - 31 Dec 2021
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) have engaged the TropWATER to undertake a survey to determine the presence/absence of marine plants within the Half Tide Tug Harbour, located at the Port of Hay Point. Specifically, the survey requires assessment of marine plant distribution in the area proposed for expanded maintenance dredging, as well as a contemporary survey of marine plants in the area currently approved for dredging.
Fingerprinting environmentally sustainable ores using neodymium isotopes (Old ID 27841)
Alex McCoy-West
01 Sep 2022 - 30 Jun 2026
The rare earth elements (REE) are a critical resource as the world transitions to an energy system dominated by green energy. However, current extraction methods rely on strong acid leaching, which has the potential to create environmental contamination. Alternative REE extraction methodologies, including phyto‐extraction (using plants) and bacteria induced bioleaching are currently being investigated. This project aims to utilise radiogenic and stable neodymium isotopes to characterise the isotopic fractionations induced during different REE extraction techniques. This isotopic fingerprinting will provide a method to verify more sustainably generated REE concentrates, enabling the Australian REE industry to be positioned as a world leading environmental producer.
Seafood Consumption and Production Trends – Singapore Market Study
Neil Hutchinson
01 Aug 2021 - 31 Dec 2021
The research project seeks to provide WWF-Singapore with detailed information around trends in seafood supply and apparent
consumption in Singapore, with a focus at the species level. The analysis will also involve the calculations around the volume of
certified and non-certified seafood imported into and exported from Singapore, disaggregated by species. The analysis will also seek
to both identify the sectors and respective major buyers that are importing seafood, and calculate seafood import volume (down to
species level) for each identified sector/buyer. Finally, the analysis will also seek to cover total production volume of local
aquaculture farms, disaggregated by species, and the market share of individual farms. The results from this study will be used to
inform WWF-Singapore’s seafood strategy
Fish tissue proteomics as baseline evaluation for safer cultivated seafood with known allergen profile
Ludwig Lopata
20 Nov 2022 - 19 Nov 2023
Cultivated seafood is far less researched than traditional livestock alternatives. We will address this critical knowledge gap through high throughput proteomic analysis of various tissues from different fish species, used for cultivation, with a focus on comparative composition of allergenic proteins (allergens), and directly compare with cultivated meat. Closing this lack of industry-wide target product, protein, and allergen profiles is essential for success in the alternative protein field and will promote regulation of safe cultivated foods.
Satellite Based Water Analysis and Drought Planning in Northwest Qld
Ben Jarihani
01 Aug 2023 - 23 Apr 2025
This project will utilize satellite imagery to map and monitor small water bodies and farm dams to
improve grazing land management. The project aims to extract time series of water areas from
the satellite images, perform time series analysis to assess the shrinkage or expansion of the
water bodies, water levels, and determine their precise locations.
The focus is on understanding the availability and dynamics of these water resources, which are
vital for livestock, domestic use and wildlife habitats.
This project will be a partnership between SGNRM and JCU.
F2F TEKFARM - Accelerating and Scaling Adoption of Drought Resilience Technologies
Rachel Hay
21 Nov 2023 - 30 Jun 2025
Activities are aligned with the TNQ Drought Hub technology adoption, on-farm deployment and current activities. This funding will support key Hub staff in technology adoption and complement the $1.25m 12-month extension through Future Drought Fund (FDF) funding. JCU will contribute to the project steering committee, guide at least 15 primary producers through agtech capability building, facilitate at least 30 technology deployments on farm.