Research Projects
Deployable Waste to Energy System (Old ID 27701)
Mohan Jacob
24 May 2022 - 31 Dec 2025
JCU has developed a customised microwave pyrolysis unit that can be used to conduct various experiments and control the pyrolysis conditions to convert different waste materials and generate by-products such as gas, oil and char. This project aims to develop a scale-up Deployable Waste to Energy processing unit that can process up to 50 kg of waste at a time. The project will be done in partnership with CUBIC, who will manage the project delivery.
Development of a Ground-Based AI Vision System for Fine-Scale Weed Detection in Tropical Reforestation
Tao Huang
09 Jan 2026 - 08 Jan 2027
Tropical reforestation initiatives face significant early-stage threats from fast-growing weed species that compete with young seedlings for sunlight, nutrients, and water. While drone-based monitoring provides valuable aerial perspectives, it often lacks the resolution needed to detect weeds growing in close proximity to seedlings or partially hidden by surrounding vegetation. To complement aerial detection, this project proposes the development of a ground-based computer vision system for fine-scale weed detection and growth dominance estimation, enabling precision weeding and decision support in reforestation programs. This first year of the TerraWeed project will focus on hardware setup, initial dataset creation, and the development of deep learning models for close-range classification and segmentation of weeds versus tree seedlings. This foundational work will provide a basis for deploying intelligent ground-based systems that support high-precision intervention in complex tropical environments.
Foundational Development of Drone-Based AI for Early Weed Detection in Tropical Reforestation
Tao Huang
01 Nov 2025 - 08 Jan 2027
Reforestation in tropical regions faces a major ecological and operational challenge: the rapid proliferation of aggressive weed species during the early growth stages of trees. These weeds often outcompete young seedlings for critical resources such as light, nutrients, and water, leading to high mortality rates and undermining the success of environmental restoration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity initiatives. Current weed monitoring methods are manual, labor-intensive, and impractical for large-scale or remote reforestation projects. This project proposes to address this challenge by developing an AI-powered aerial monitoring system that uses drones to detect and map weed infestations in tropical reforestation zones. Year 1 will focus on establishing the technical foundation for this system, including sensor configuration, data collection protocols, dataset creation, and initial model development.
Traps ‘n’ maps: collecting data today to better understand the past tomorrow. (Old ID 27767)
Cassandra Rowe
25 Jul 2022 - 31 Dec 2024
The study of pollen to reconstruct landscapes of the past plays an important role across many environmental research and management goals. However, more is being asked of this data, in particular, the need to better understand past plant abundance and land-cover changes. To achieve this, we need a quantified understanding of the relationship between modern day pollen and vegetation, which requires large-scale data collection. Here, we propose developing a comprehensive modern pollen-matching vegetation records across major climate and biogeographic zones in Australia by combining expertise in paleoecology and citizen science with nationally funded infrastructure, TERN (Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network).
From reference genome to resilience: determining the future of Southern Ocean benthos in light of climatic change
Edel Sheerin
01 Sep 2025 - 01 Sep 2026
Climate change effects such as rising ocean temperatures, freshening of the ocean and altered current regimes will impact the dispersal, connectivity and subsequent genetic diversity of Southern Ocean benthic invertebrates. This project will utilize the most advanced DNA sequencing technology to investigate historical and contemporary connectivity (source sink dynamics) and population demography of the seastar Glabraster antarctica between East Antarctica and the Kerguelen Plateau. The outcome of this research will determine the susceptibility of benthic invertebrates to climate change impacts. These findings will inform future management of the Kerguelen Plateau.
Beyond genotyping: Using ddRADseq GBS for pathogen surveillance in aquaculture – A case study in Barramundi ( Lates calcarifer ) Author: Dr Jose A. Domingos Grant Number: Breeding for Scale Drop Disease in Barramundi Lates calcarifer
Susan Kueh
01 Nov 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
Aquaculture Reports Article Publishing Charge
Article: Beyond genotyping: Using ddRADseq GBS for pathogen surveillance in aquaculture – A case study in Barramundi ( Lates calcarifer )
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103273
Healthy Hatchlings: optimising turtle hatchling survival in a changing world
Caitlin Smith
19 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2027
Increasing sand temperatures, sea level rise, and predation pose significant risks to marine turtle nesting beaches, prompting an increase in egg protection strategies, such as relocation to hatcheries or safer areas. However, the effects of relocation on variables like sand moisture, vegetation, temperature, and nest depth can all influence hatching success and hatchling quality, yet their specific impacts are unclear. Despite the recognised need for relocation in some cases, the current relocation practices require updating in the context of required management strategies. The main priority in current relocation practices is to avoid early embryonic death due to premature movement of the eggs. While hatching success has been studied, hatchling quality indicators, such as swimming speed, self-righting ability, genetic health, and energy reserves, require further investigation. This project aims to investigate how different relocation practices affect hatching success and hatchling quality, and to provide recommendations for nest relocation tailored to specific management needs, while maintaining both high hatching success and hatchling quality. Enhancing hatchling production and supporting high-quality hatchlings will help maintain genetic diversity and population stability in Queensland's sea turtles. Promoting effective conservation strategies not only supports Queensland’s sea turtle populations but also inspires broader environmental stewardship, fostering public support and long-term funding opportunities.
Expanding spiny lobster aquaculture in Indonesia (Old ID 21727)
Clive Jones
25 May 2015 - 31 Dec 2019
Project will provide research and extension to support expansion and increased productivity for spiny lobster aquaculture in Indonesia. Research will focus on improving survival and growth of lobsters from capture of natural seed through to market size, particularly through improved nutrition, husbandry and disease management. Extension will focus on demonstration of best practice to farmers. Impact will be on men, women and children in impoverished coastal communities. Some research will be conducted in Vietnam and Australia, with a view to improving sustainability of lobster farming in Vietnam and exploring opportunity for establishing Indigenous lobster aquaculture enterprises in Australia.
Rural Generalists Perspectives on the Utility of Advanced Specialist Training
Abdul-Aziz Seidu
01 Feb 2023 - 29 Feb 2024
Rural Generalists Perspectives on the Utility of Advanced Specialist Training
Retention of JCU basic medical sciences influence on entry knowledge testing and need for early educational intervention of post graduate GP registrars
Abdul-Aziz Seidu
01 Feb 2023 - 29 Feb 2024
Retention of JCU basic medical sciences influence on entry knowledge testing and need for early educational intervention of post graduate GP registrars