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Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) is a multi-disciplinary health and tropical medicine research institute located in the tropics.

Based at James Cook University in northern Queensland, AITHM has key nodes in Townsville, Cairns and the Torres Strait.

AITHM’s research programs confront northern Australia's major health security risks, tackle its worst health outcomes, develop better ways to deliver health services to remote communities and contribute to the development of northern Australia through research, knowledge infrastructure and commercialisation of research findings.

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.

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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.

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