Give to JCU Give to Innovation & Discovery Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) is Australia's only dedicated tropical health and medicine research institute, working to improve and save lives through research that addresses some of the world's most pressing health challenges.

Based at James Cook University in northern Queensland, AITHM has key hubs in Townsville, Cairns and the Torres Strait, AITHM is advancing the discovery of new vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tools, strengthening preparedness for infectious diseases and emerging health threats, and improving health systems and health service delivery.

The challenges we address are most visible in the tropics, but the discoveries, innovations and evidence generated through AITHM have the potential to improve lives locally, regionally and globally.

Our research spans public health, biomolecular, clinical, translational, and health systems research and is strongly focused on the health issues of most importance to tropical Australia, delivering significant public health benefit locally, regionally and globally.

The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) is a flagship research institute of James Cook University based in the tropics of northern Australia.  Australia’s only dedicated tropical health and medicine research institute, AITHM is focussed on solving problems of importance to the tropics, leading to improvements in health systems and healthcare delivery, improved biosecurity, and enhanced health outcomes for Australians and our neighbouring tropical nations. This strategic plan builds on our existing strengths in basic, translational, clinical, and health systems research to define our priorities and strategic goals for the next five years.

Read more.

With over 300 members, AITHM comprises a broad range of laboratory scientists, multidisciplinary research teams, field scientists and clinicians who deliver real world scientific, social and economic solutions.

Our research is focussed on application of the evidence we create to deliver improved therapeutics, drug discoveries, diagnostic tools, treatments, policy improvements and cures. We work in collaboration with clinical partners to undertake translational research that addresses key health issues affecting people who live in the Tropics.

We deliver research outcomes that improve the efficacy of healthcare delivery and health outcomes for the communities of northern Australia and neighbouring tropical nations. We are leaders in the development of diagnostics and innovations in health systems/service delivery for rural and remote communities, including telehealth.

We invest significantly in the development and retention of academic and clinical scientific talent, including young researchers across our four regional North Queensland sites - Cairns, Mackay, Thursday Island and Townsville.

AITHM contributes to the growth and development of the north Queensland economy through new commercial ventures including industry development in pharmaceutical formulation, manufacturing and biotechnology.  A recent example is the leadership in developing Northern Queensland as a destination to support multi-site clinical trial growth across the health and university sectors.

With a strong and established track record in infectious diseases, vector control, and health system development, the Institute is well positioned to help support Australia’s vulnerable north and to build upon its extensive network of collaborators across the Indo-Pacific nations.

Find out more.

James Cook University is an Australian registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.