Homegrown heroes

Among the inspiring change-makers announced for this year’s Australian of the Year Local Hero Awards are two JCU Alumni, Melissa Redsell and Belinda Young. Each with their own mission of empowering the women in their community to live safe and supported, these two local heroes are using their education, skills and experience to truly make a difference.

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This is Uni... but not as you know it

#1 in Queensland for full-time employment
and starting salary1
#3 in the world for Ecology
and Evolution research2
#5 in the world for UN Sustainable Development Goal of good health and wellbeing3
1Good Universities Guide 2023 2 Research.com 2022 3 THE Impact Rankings 2022

The Mabo Decision: 30 years on

2022 marks the 30 year anniversary of the Mabo case, one of the most significant turning points for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the fight for native title. Find out more about Eddie Koiki Mabo, the Mabo case, the fight for land rights and the legacy created for future generations.

Find out more

The Land I Own

© Gail Mabo (2008) [artwork detail], JCU Art Collection

Latest news

Research

Building standards in cyclone areas need upgrading

James Cook University experts who surveyed the wreckage left after a devastating 2021 cyclone say building standards are inadequate and need to be upgraded, even in areas not thought of as being at high risk.

Research

Most coral reef sharks and rays may be at risk of extinction

Nearly two-thirds of coral reef shark and ray species worldwide are threatened with extinction, according to a James Cook University scientist.

Research

Travel industry faces post-pandemic choices

Global tourism is at a crossroads as the Covid 19 virus, spread by mass travel, forces the industry to make choices on its future, according to a researcher from James Cook University.

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Planning for paradise

As a Senior Town Planner at Milford Planning in Townsville, JCU Alumni Matteo Sandona is able to pursue a diverse and challenging career that helps plan for the future of our regional towns and cities.

Planning, Development and the Environment

Matteo Sandona at the Ardo Hotel site on Breakwater Island in Townsville.

Supplied by Matteo Sandona.

Digital skills open international doors

JCU Alumni Michael Bromage has experienced first-hand the diversity of a JCU degree, with his Bachelor of Arts giving his career worldwide potential. From creative problem-solving to producing digital content across continents, Michael's locally developed skills have prepared him for global opportunities.

Arts and Social Sciences

Where the seagrass is greener

Growing up in the Central Torres Strait with a passion for the ocean led Alumni Madeina David to pursue marine biology. Now, Madeina works with land and sea rangers as well as Traditional Owners to protect marine life like dugongs, turtles and seagrass in the Torres Strait.

Marine Science

Image by Harriet Spark, Grumpy Turtle Creative.

Bush tucker works a treat

JCU Researcher Dr Janelle James-McAlpine has developed a screening tool to examine the nutritional health of First Nations mothers living on country. The results have shown that traditional food sourcing is not only safe for these pregnant Indigenous women, but provides valuable nourishment beyond what they intake while away from home.

Nursing and Midwifery

Native Australian peach (quandong).

A will to make a difference

After studying Business and Law, JCU Alumni Naomi Seymore had her heart set on a career that made a difference to others. Now well into a career in Wills and Estates law, Naomi shares how her studies have supported her to become a lawyer who helps people at every stage of life.

Business, Law and Finance

JCU Alumni and Associate at wilson/ryan/grose Lawyers, Naomi Seymore.

Supplied by: Naomi Seymore.

JCU Events

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6 highly cited researchers1
83% of JCU research fields ranked world class or higher2
$827 million economic impact in Queensland3
1 Web of Science 2022 2 Excellence in Research Australia 2018 3 JCU Impact Report 2018

50 years of JCU

Explore JCU’s rich history, which begins in North Queensland and stretches around the globe.

View the timeline

Your world-class education begins here

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    • James Cook University in Queensland

    You are forward-thinking and excited to meet the challenges of a 21st-century career. You are the product of your own unique history and the input of your family, friends and community. Shaped by the past, embracing who you are and the input of others, you are ready to take on your future.

    Experience the incredible

    The place you choose to prepare for your future should be as unique as you are. As you study with James Cook University, you partner with a university that has been shaped by history, embraces where it is and allows you to explore, discover, grow through research and teaching that makes a difference.

    World-class education

    Throughout your journey with the second-oldest university in Queensland, you will see the value of experience lived out in front of you. Embracing the lessons of history and leveraging the insights of generations, JCU is a leading university in Australia.

    Study in a unique environment where world-class facilities, natural wonders and vibrant student life come together. At JCU take advantage of our world-class experience in teaching, research, and technological development to forge your own future.

    Choose a Queensland uni with career-focussed courses, world-class researches and lecturers, and state-of-the-art facilities. JCU graduates are able to apply technical competencies, while thinking differently about the challenges facing the world. Be equipped with the expert knowledge and job-ready skills to excel in your chosen career path.

    Committed to student success

    You embrace the person you have become and are looking forward to engaging with like-minded people to grow your knowledge and skills further. Your experience should build on your understanding, help you to develop your full potential and give you access to sources of information and inspiration.

    At James Cook University, study courses delivered by expert lecturers and world-class researchers. Gain a theoretical understanding through analysis and application. Apply your learnings to work and research situations and get feedback from professionals as you build your skills.

    Network with invited guests from leading industry and scientific professionals who are regularly invited to share their expertise. Lecturers committed to student success will help you gain the confidence and practical skills for you to excel in your chosen field.

    Ready today for tomorrow

    The decision-makers and influencers of society are excited about the challenges and possibilities of the future. JCU graduates are ready today, for tomorrow - future-focused and committed to making a difference.

    A degree and a job is important. Graduate from JCU job-ready, with problem solving skills that make you valuable to employers and confident to forge your future in the global workforce.

    Develop an understanding of how theory applies to practical outputs. With your skills at gathering and analysing data or applying critical thinking to complex social issues, JCU graduates lead the way in solving tomorrow’s most pressing challenges.

    Committed to a brighter future

    We are unique products of experience, personality, and hopes. We are at our best when we acknowledge the past, take advantage of what we have, and work towards an even better future. You will find a university in Australia that embraces this concept when you study with JCU.

    Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of teaching, learning and life at JCU. Learn in world-class facilities, like the JCU Science Place, built using a contemporary,  energy efficient design and collaborative classrooms.

    Explore unique Australian ecosystems as you study on the doorstep of unrivalled research locations and access World Heritage natural environments. Work on the Great Barrier Reef at the JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory or the JCU Fletcherview Research Station in the dry savannahs of the Australian Outback. Understand the intricacies of tropical climate and learn from world-class researches at the Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct or the Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine.

    Build valuable professional networks while developing the skills and knowledge to make a difference. Become a leader in your field and help us create a brighter future for the world.