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Tourism Knowledge Cluster (Old ID 22892)
The aim of the Knowledge Cluster is to form a co-operative data collection and sharing network comprised of stakeholders in the region, including a range of tourism operators working in partnership with the College of Business, Law and Governance at James Co o k University and facilitated by Townsville Enterprise (TEL) as a key agent for knowledge transfer and dissemination to its members. The prime focus of the network will be the development and implementation of an online visitor survey which will provide destination stakeholders with real-time access to data on the profile, preferences and satisfaction of visitors to the region. In addition, market intelligence reports which provide data insights will be disseminated by TEL via its membership base, and two tourism futures workshops - which present detailed data analysis and expert knowledge of JCU tourism academics on global tourism trends - will ensure that the visitor data collected is transferred into knowledge which can facilitate tourism product innovation in the region.
X-ray tomography of Archean putative trace fossils and microfossils (Old ID 23652)
The 2700 Ma metasediments from the Tanzania lCratpon contain centimeter size structures that resemble Phanerozoic trace fossils. They have a tube-like shape with an s-like curcature and are more than 15 centimeters long. Thin section studies and elemental mapping revealed that the grain size and comp;osition of the 'concretions' are very different from the surrounding matrix. They contain a complex internal structure which is inconsistent with an inorganic origin opening the extraoredinary possibility for the existence of complex life forms 2700 Ma ago.
Coastal wetland systems repair across GBR catchments - values based causal framework validation (Old ID 26386)
Conservation and repair of the coastal wetland ecosystems' in the Great Barrier Reef catchments have come into focus following media converging on the point that the reef health and land use in catchments has been compromised. While on-ground wetland repair investment activities are underway, data to demonstrate water quality and biodiversity return for the investment is not available. Here we continue working with project partners, further contributing to change management practices, consolidate new project partnerships, and road test the Queensland Westland's Values Based Causal Framework using existing and new data.
Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (Old ID 26624)
This program aims to deliver unprecedented research capability for securing Antarctic environments in the face of uncertain change. By integrating a highly skilled team with new approaches and breakthrough technologies, the program anticipates discovery science, enhanced environmental forecasting and optimised decision-making to advance Australia’s position as an influential Antarctic nation. Expected outcomes include better environmental management, unparalleled strategic decision-support for an effective Antarctic Treaty, and new minds to address Antarctica’s new challenges. Anticipated benefits are the means to transform environmental forecasting and management in the Antarctic, for Australia, and to the advantage of global security.
Burdekin wetlands restoration research. (Old ID 27072)
Wetlands provide some many services and values, yet are under pressure from continuing and expanding land use change. North Queensland Dry Tropics (NQDT) are implementing a range of restoration projects to improve the Burdekin floodplain, and have engaged TropWATER to complete wetland restoration monitoring to measure and evaluate the success of these works. This monitoring will cover fish sampling, water and sediment chemistry, aquatic plant assessments and hydrology. The data will provide NQDT with information to assist with further works and funding on the horizon.
Towards elimination of tuberculosis (Old ID 27175)
Tuberculosis kills more people than any other infectious disease, and approximately one third of the world's population is latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This project aims to complete the pre-clinical development of a new tuberculosis vaccine and to reveal new correlates of protection against tuberculosis using innovative mouse models and human cohorts.
Investigating tramsmission of Malaria Parasites in Anopheles farauti Mosquitos in PNG. Lincoln Timinao’s PhD Stipend for 12 months. (Old ID 27389)
Lincoln Timinao’s scholarship for the duration of 12 months (approved PhD candidature extension). Lincoln’s project involves assessing the infectivity of malaria infected blood samples to Anopheles mosquitoes and exploring ways to block transmission from humans to mosquitoes.
Molecular-based method for the quantification of in situ crown-of-thorns starfish settlement rates (Old ID 27772)
This research will develop and validate an innovative protocol for the quantification of in situ crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) settlement rates. DNA spiked samples will be analysed using two different DNA extraction methods and droplet digital PCR to determine relative method performance and sub-sampling requirements. Analyses of control samples collected outside the reproductive season may provide additional method validation by ruling out sample contamination by waterborne DNA originating from adult COTS. This work will facilitate future research to resolve critical information gaps and improve the ecological underpinning of COTS management.
Developing an appropriate depression screening tool for Aboriginal people living in Far North Queensland. (Old ID 28957)
Continuing impacts of colonialism negatively affects Indigenous peoples' health and health outcomes, including mental health. Mainstream tools used to screen for mental ill-health are often not fit for purpose because they use words that do not facilitate accurate reporting of symptoms for diagnosis. Additionally, adapted tools may not be adequately validated. The aim of the study is to develop an appropriate depression screening tool for Aboriginal people aged 18 and over living in Far North Queensland. This project will begin the adaptation process by identifying tools used and words used by Aboriginal people to express depression in clinical settings.
Social Work collaborates with Dentistry to equip undergraduate dental students with training resources to ensure best practice and competency in recognizing and responding to domestic and sexual violence. (Old ID 30044)
Training JCU Dentistry students identified gaps in domestic and sexual violence (DSV) resources specifically designed for dentists. Dentistry-focussed resources would effectively demonstrate the vital skills required to competently recognise and respond (RR) to DSV. This project aims to develop, implement and evaluate such resources utilising a PAR model. Outcomes include simulation resources that enhance education of JCU dental students, clinical staff, and supervisors. Resources will also be available to organisations beyond JCU to train the broader health workforce, aligning with grant requirements for projects that contribute to ending violence against women and children in one generation. Dissemination will include academic journals and conferences.