Research Projects
Research to support sustainable coral harvesting by Australian aquarium industry (Old ID 23641)
Morgan Pratchett
13 Jul 2017 - 12 Jul 2018
An Advance Queensland Knowledge Transfer Partnerships grant awarded to Ultra Coral Australia Pty Ltd is being used to part fund the appointment of a PhD graduate from James Cook University, Dr Ciemon Caballes, to undertake research into the improved sustainability of wild coral harvesting on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. A portion of the grant is awarded directly to JCU to facilitate direct engagement with Ultra Coral Australia Pty Ltd and the recently appointed graduate, further establishing industry links and direct application of ongoing research.
Can experimental hookworm infection prevent metabolic disease/Type 2 diabetes? (Old ID 24710)
Paul Giacomin
01 Jan 2018 - 01 Jun 2019
We will conduct a world-first clinical trial in Cairns testing the safety and efficacy of experimental hookworm infection in women at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. For this application we will examine how worm infection alters the microbiome, a potental mechanism of how worms control metabolism.
HOT NORTH - Pilot Project - Round 4 - Cooking smoke and indoor air pollution : Impaired immunity to Tuberculosis at Australian's northern border? (Old ID 25026)
Catherine Rush
01 Sep 2018 - 30 Jun 2020
Middle Fly region of PNG has very high rates of TB and pre-existing lung disease may play a significant role in the acquisition and development of TB disease. Our study will determine the burden and characteristics of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and investigate the resultant lung immune response defects in this community. In doing so we will build local capacity in lung function testing and laboratory analysis and optimise a pipeline of sample analysis of lung immune responses from PNG to JCU, Townsville. Such information will complement existing TB programmes in South Fly region of the Western Province.
Traditional Bush Foods in the Top End - Can they prevent chronic disease? (Old ID 26561)
Robyn McDermott
01 Jul 2019 - 28 Feb 2020
This project will document the traditional uses of 9 key plants sold by the Corporation in Maningrida (with ethnobotanists from the NT Herbarium), perform a detailed analysis of their nutrient profile including phenolic and flavonoid content and anti-oxidant analysis with UniSA scientists.
Understanding long-term Indigenous uses of the Great Barrier Reef: Re-excavating the Freshwater Bay Midden, Lizard Island (Old ID 27472)
Ariana Lambrides
01 Apr 2022 - 31 Mar 2023
This project aims to document Aboriginal Late Holocene use of Great Barrier Reef offshore islands through the re-excavation of Freshwater Bay Midden on Lizard Island. After extensive physical surveys and recording of cultural places across the Lizard Island Group over the past decade it has been determined that Freshwater Bay Midden is the only remaining site with significant sub-surface deposits intact that has not yet been excavated using modern archaeological techniques. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive framework from which to consider offshore island use in northeast Australia, as well as documenting the dynamic history of Lizard Island occupation.
Microanalytical Facility Supporting Resources Development and Manufacturing (Old ID 27524)
Paul Dirks
20 Jul 2022 - 30 Jun 2023
The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art electron probe microanalysis facility enabling accurate chemical analysis to be undertaken at the micro-scale. It is expected to provide new knowledge and support applied research on a range of natural, synthetic and processed materials that will deeply impact advancements in the fields of metals processing and recycling, Earth and environmental science, and the development of materials for a healthier society. It will support ARC funded and industry engaged research enhancing the minerals exploration, mining and metallurgical industries and inform sustainable practice. It will also provide the key research infrastructure to enhance Australia’s research leadership in these fields.
Monitoring the distribution and abundance of dugongs (and in-water, large marine turtles) within the GBRWHA using a combined aerial observer and imagery approach (Old ID 27811)
Christophe Cleguer
20 Sep 2022 - 30 May 2026
This project aims to: (1) to monitor the trends in the abundance and distribution of dugongs within the GBRWHA and (2) contribute to the transition to the use of novel imagery survey technologies to enhance survey methods and accuracy in abundance estimates. The project will be conducted in five main stages which will include: the development of a Traditional Owners engagement strategy and the drafting and submitting regulatory permit applications (stage 1), the development of the survey design and data collection protocols and undertake observer training (stage 2), conduct the dugong observer surveys and imagery experimental work within the GBRWHA (stage 3) and the production of a final report including summary of all survey report findings and advice about the implications of the findings for the conservation and management of dugongs and large marine turtles within the GBRWHA (stage 4).
Island Arks GBR Regional Ecosystem mapping (Old ID 27874)
Darren Crayn
02 Jan 2023 - 30 Jun 2025
The Queensland Government has committed to expand Queensland’s protected area estate on islands in the GBR. To deliver this commitment, the Great Barrier Reef Island Arks Acquisition Project has been established. This project will contribute information on regional ecosystems of selected islands targeted for acquisition, providing improved conservation outcomes, opportunities to work with Traditional Owners to co-manage key ecological and cultural sites, and promote new ecotourism offerings.
Evaluation of functional feed additives to control diseases of importance in aquaculture species in Singapore & the tropics
Susan Kueh
15 Oct 2021 - 14 Oct 2022
Aim: Evaluation of functional feed additives to control diseases of importance in aquaculture species in Singapore & the tropics. Specific feed
additives to be tested 1. Medium chain organic acids for improved gut health in fry at weaning and early nursery fish, and 2. Monoglycerides
to improve resistance against virus in late nursery and early stage grow-out fish. 2 Phase Study 1. Trial organic acids in weaning and early
nursery diet @Allegro 2. Mono-glycerides late nursery and early grow-out stage fingerlings at SAT. Select functional feeds will be evaluated
in weaned and early nursery fish at Allegro, and late nursery/ early grow-out at SAT, using a combination of growth rates, FCRs,
histopathology, haematology, transcriptomics (gene expression), qPCR of tissue and environmental samples, host and environmental
microbiome analyses.
Investigating the Link between Mineralised Shear Zones and Subsurface Granites for Rare Earth Element Exploration in Australia: A Geophysical Study of the Mary Kathleen Syncline
Melanie Finch
13 Apr 2023 - 31 Dec 2024
$10,000 grant from the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Research Foundation paid to Peter Betts at Monash University, which is being transferred to Melanie Finch at James Cook University to engage and supervise her PhD student Alanis Olesch-Byrne to complete the Research Project, providing logistic support for field work and supervision expertise related to the geology of the region.