Groundbreaking new modelling has revealed that up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians may have died in a devastating smallpox epidemic that began in Sydney in 1789, shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet.

Citizen science is booming and could play a much greater role in tackling climate change, reef health, biodiversity and public health challenges by involving members of the public throughout the research process, according to a new study.

James Cook University’s Daintree Rainforest Observatory (DRO) has welcomed two new team members with the hatching of a couple of osprey chicks.

A James Cook University researcher is warning that an entrenched culture of perfectionism in medicine is placing both clinicians and patients at risk, driving burnout and undermining safe care.

Health researchers are calling for urgent action to improve support for nurses working in Australia’s health system, with emotional burnout in the first year of practice identified as a key driver of early attrition in the sector.

Extreme weather events in North Queensland are playing havoc with roads, dams, rivers and infrastructure, prompting the need for ‘local’ solutions to address ‘local’ problems.

New James Cook University research has shown that AI can be used to help doctors differentiate between healthy people and people with schizophrenia, even when patients are stressed.

A new study shows AI working with an Australia-wide network of acoustic sensors has enormous potential to track threatened species activity through time and help protect them.

James Cook University is inviting the community to explore campus life, discover world-class facilities and connect with students and staff at Townsville Open Day this Sunday, June 21.

A James Cook University PhD student’s late-night solo survey has led to the first recorded sighting of a microwhip scorpion in the Daintree Rainforest.

A range of incredible books which touch on resistance and justice, life on Magnetic Island, growing up on the Torres Strait, life in Arnhem Land before colonisation and many more are among a longlist of 14 books selected for the prestigious

A major analysis of 25 studies across Africa and Asia finds that insecticide-treated nets cut malaria cases by up to 68 per cent – but highlights challenges that threaten to undermine their long- term impact.

A new study shows how social media can be an important weapon in combatting perinatal depression and anxiety in rural areas, if it is carefully designed and misinformation rooted out.

The James Cook University-led PacMOSSI consortium welcomed over 40 mosquito scientists and Pacific Island health officials gathered to Nadi, Fiji this week, against a backdrop of the Pacific’s most severe dengue season in recent memory.

A new study from a James Cook University researcher argues that forensic psychology, long treated by courts as an objective scientific discipline, may in fact be deepening systemic injustice, particularly for marginalised communities.

James Cook University senior leadership are ready to revolutionise the delivery of degree programs in remote communities, using AI to accelerate the integration of western and traditional knowledge systems.

James Cook University’s Daintree Canopy Crane is home to a growing family of nesting ospreys, with live-streamed video capturing the feathered fish-loving couple’s journey to parenthood.

James Cook University students have returned to their Torres Strait roots to inspire the next generation of regional and First Nations students to consider higher education pathways.

Explore your study options, meet the people who’ll support your journey, and experience life at James Cook University firsthand at the Mackay Open Day this Sunday, June 7.

From War Games to The Matrix and Mr Robot, new James Cook University research reveals how film and gaming representations of the computer “hacker” are driven by our own insecurities around technology, cybercrime and surveillance.

A team of JCU scientists have discovered and named three new ‘leaf-planking’ praying mantis species and recorded another mantis species turning up far from its assumed habitat.

Dentists who see signs of domestic violence in patients now have clearer legal guidance on how to respond, thanks to a new publication collaboratively developed by James Cook University, North Queensland Women’s Legal Service and Be Conscious –

Food Allergy Week is an annual awareness campaign promoted by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia to educate the public and support the estimated one in twenty Australians living with food allergy.

The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony, with 14 students taught by James Cook University (JCU) among the more than 250 graduates honoured for their academic achievements.

New research has found that some reefs play host to heat-tolerant corals, highlighting the importance of identifying and protecting these reefs as an insurance policy against future bleaching.

New archaeological discoveries in northern Laos are reshaping understanding of one of Southeast Asia’s most puzzling ancient landscapes.

James Cook University’s Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) has celebrated 10 years of supporting Indigenous student success, reshaping curriculum, and building nationally recognised Indigenous-led research.

North Queensland para-athlete Ainsley Hooker will realise a long-held dream when she represents Australia in seated shot put (F57) at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland this July.

James Cook University researchers say a group of cycling enthusiasts who used a collaborative playlist to stay connected during pandemic lockdowns provide a low-cost model for organisations seeking to support mental health and social resilience.

Fascinating insight from James Cook University researchers will headline the annual Pint of Science events in Townsville and Cairns on May 18 and 19.

More than 120 First Nations nurses, midwives and students from across Queensland gathered at James Cook University’s Cairns campus this week for a major forum celebrating leadership, culture and connection to Country.

North Queensland’s ground-breaking advanced simulation training centre has found a permanent headquarters, with the $32.2 million training facility soon to undergo a high tech fit-out at James Cook University.

Researchers are looking for people living with diabetes to take part in a study on whether a Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program can improve their mental wellbeing and physical health.

Futsal standout Stephanie Luyt headlined the James Cook University students honoured at this week’s annual JCU UniLife Sport Awards.

Researchers are calling for a new approach to preventing emerging diseases from occurring in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory’s Top End.

An innovative James Cook University experiment has found rap-related cues shape how people judge a hypothetical fan accused of violent crime, raising questions about the use of lyrics as evidence in court.

James Cook University led research has developed a new evidence-based framework for improving how organisations help people living in climate impacted conflict zones.

A globally recognised journalist, an award-winning novelist, an acclaimed poet and a celebrated children’s author are the winners of this year’s Writers on the Reef residency, hosted by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian

James Cook University researchers are calling for the public to volunteer and participate in a new brainwave study, helping them to understand how workers manage stress and build resilience within high-stress workplaces.

A new analysis has revealed a global decline in fish growth over the last century, with scientists warning that overfishing and environmental change are eroding the biological foundations of many fisheries.

James Cook University will help improve the lives of children and young people across Northern Queensland through a strengthened partnership with Queensland Kids Partnership (QKP).

In a shift away from simply burning or burying waste, new research led by James Cook University recommends using microwave energy to transform waste into high-value building materials, electronics and anti-fouling products.

New research led by James Cook University shows huge differences in fish biomass and fish productivity between Caribbean and Indo-Pacific coral reefs, driven by the consumption of jelly-like gelatinous plankton.

A program designed to strengthen support for first-time mums by pairing them with mentors has expanded nationwide.

Selective breeding has reshaped livestock into some of the world’s most productive animals, but new research suggests these gains may come with under recognised genetic costs.

Research led by James Cook University has shown the devastating impacts of severe cyclones on corals and coral reef fishes, highlighting changes in coral reef structure that influence long-term recovery and resilience.

James Cook University researchers have tested frog housing and nursery preferences in the Wet Tropics rainforest of North Queensland, with frogs finding the thermal regulation of concrete shelters to be the perfect tropical retreat.

Scientists at James Cook University have uncovered new insights into how the body contains latent tuberculosis, using a cutting-edge technique that allows researchers to map exactly where immune cells and bacteria interact inside tissues.

New data shows an iconic Australian bird may disappear within 50 years, prompting scientists to warn that the well-studied superb fairy wren may be a ‘canary in a coal mine’ for many lesser-known species facing similar climate change threats.

A leading figure in Indigenous-led marine science, Uncle Bob Muir has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by James Cook University during this week’s graduation ceremonies.

An international study has signalled a sharp rise in the number of officially recognised allergenic proteins - substances that trigger an immune reaction in susceptible people.

James Cook University researchers have helped develop a world-first Ocean Equity Index (OEI) giving communities, governments and NGOs a simple way to judge whether ocean projects are fair and inclusive.

A potential breakthrough in crocodile detection technology has been given the green light to proceed with the first deployment to test its feasibility in northern Queensland.

A $30,000 QCoal Foundation Scholarship will help ease financial pressures and allow first year James Cook University Medicine student Priya Taylor-Sidhu to focus fully on her studies.

New research led by James Cook University (JCU) emphasises that the success of marine protected areas (MPAs) depends largely on understanding and influencing people’s behaviours within their borders.

Queensland is expected to face growing pressure on its health system as rising temperatures drive an increase in serious Salmonella infections, according to a decade-long analysis of climate and disease data.

James Cook University has again been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its work tackling diseases across the Tropics.

A landmark James Cook University (JCU) study has laid bare the systemic disadvantage and racism experienced by Australian South Sea Islanders in Queensland – and called for dedicated “navigators” to help communities access essential services.

New James Cook University-led research warns that the future of Pacific small-fishing communities may be compromised by ambitious marine conservation targets set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Researchers from James Cook University (JCU) have found that coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef is influenced not only by extreme summer heat, but also by winter conditions months earlier.

A new PhD project at James Cook University is set to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping organisational change and what skills managers will need to be successful in this new environment.

Children and teenagers who spend more time on digital media are more likely to experience mental health, behavioural and academic difficulties later on, according to a major international review published in JAMA Pediatrics.

A James Cook University (JCU) graduate has become Australia’s first male to take the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait IslanderHealth Practitioner (A&TSIHP) pathway to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), a significant achievement for the

James Cook University has launched its new Centre for AI and Data Science Innovation (CADSI), a cross-disciplinary hub designed to harness artificial intelligence for real-world impact across the Tropics.

James Cook University scientists have unveiled a world-first, instrument‑free method to study protein–DNA interactions that could transform drug discovery, cancer research and biotechnology worldwide – for less than $5 a test.

Speeding remains one of the leading contributors to death and injury on Australian roads, accounting for an estimated 30 per cent of all crashes.

An international research team, including scientists from James Cook University and the Queensland Museum, have scoured historical records to develop a new framework to help identify hard coral species and modernise coral science.

An international team of scientists and infrastructure experts are seeking to understand the drivers of unsealed road damage and riverbank erosion to help local councils provide more resilient and sustainable roads.

Listening to music may significantly improve the wellbeing of mothers during pregnancy and birth, according to new research from James Cook University (JCU).

James Cook University researchers are developing a new tool to help farmers monitor crop health and accurately detect diseased sugarcane before it shows any visible symptoms, thereby avoiding expensive DNA analysis.

James Cook University (JCU) has launched Australia’s first dedicated cyber security awareness campaign designed specifically to address the online risks faced by university students.

New research shows that maintaining and adopting proposed marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean could almost double the protection of genetic hotspots.

James Cook University (JCU) research argues Australians urgently need better education about heat to prepare for longer, hotter and more dangerous heatwaves driven by climate change.

New research led by James Cook University scientists shows Northern Queensland is facing an escalating public health threat from mosquito-borne virus activity, including dengue, Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, posing an emerging public health

A sweeping new study summarising more than 1000 previous clinical trials suggests exercise may offer a highly effective and accessible treatment for anxiety and depression – with some types of exercise particularly helpful and some groups of

A new international study found escalating impacts of ocean warming on coral reefs after assembling the largest global dataset on the severe 2014–17 coral bleaching event.

Turtle conservation protocols are being tested for the first time to improve the health of young, endangered loggerheads at Queensland’s most popular nesting beach.

Extreme heat is a major public health threat that strains health systems during heatwaves and in the days that follow.

James Cook University researchers have taken a deeper dive into the complexities of human personality traits and addiction in adults, revealing new insights to help with social media addiction and internet gaming disorder.

The Foundation for Australian Literary Studies (FALS) has announced Terri-ann White, Upswell publisher and writer, as the recipient of the third $5000 PF Rowland Manuscript Development Grant offered to support a book project.

A new chapter of James Cook University’s (JCU’s) Medicine program began in Cairns this week as fourth-year students reported to The Yeinie Building in the heart of the CBD.

James Cook University research has revealed the tale of two pioneering botanical artists, who used their exquisite paintings of Australian tropical plants to inspire, break through gender and cultural barriers, and protect the environment.

James Cook University (JCU) is celebrating the achievements of two alumni who have been named Australian of the Year finalists, recognising their exceptional contributions to health, service and community leadership.

Recent media reporting has mischaracterised the status and nature of James Cook University’s governance arrangements in relation to its institutional name.

A new study reveals allergy risks from fish depend not just on species but also on the size of the fish and which part you eat.

A research collaboration between James Cook University and Flinders University has successfully used cheap agricultural byproduct, nanocellulose, to make graphene, a high-value super-material useful in batteries, electronics and space industry

James Cook University has welcomed around 2,000 new students across our Cairns and Townsville campuses, who will dive into a week of celebrations to mark the beginning of their studies.

New research has found that roughly half of Australia’s freshwater fish are fond of snacking on animal and plant material, including fruits, from outside their aquatic habitats.

New research from James Cook University has made the extraordinary discovery that epaulette sharks can reproduce and lay eggs without any measurable rise in energy use.

A new study has found some types of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help those suffering from the debilitating condition chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

TC Koji has crossed the coast between Ayr and Bowen. Heavy rainfall is continuing between Ayr and Mackay with localised flooding and some power outages reported.

Tropical Low 12U is moving closer to the north-east Queensland coast and is forecast to intensify to a Category 2 tropical cyclone later this afternoon. Coastal crossing is expected early Sunday morning between Ingham and Bowen.

New James Cook University-led research warns of animal welfare and biosecurity risks after discovering significant veterinary care ‘deserts’ across Australia.

James Cook University is launching a historic investment in research this month via the new JCU Horizons Program.

A major new study has revealed that forests across Australia are losing trees at accelerating rates, marking a continent-wide shift in vegetation dynamics in response to a rapidly warming climate.

New James Cook University-led research warns that rising interest in blue carbon projects could pose significant risks to the tenure rights of coastal communities, small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples.

New research has discovered that increasing vitamin D intake may be a simple approach to overturning obesity-related health problems.

Researchers have developed a tool that reliably predicts where destructive new roads are likely to carve through tropical forests, giving environmentalists and public health officials a head-start in identifying at-risk areas and potential disease

James Cook University researchers are calling for a better understanding of biofilms, the unsung heroes and villains of medicine, engineering and shipping.

What happened in Bondi on Sunday evening was deeply distressing.

New James Cook University research finds that using the right toxin more quickly kills Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) and helps limit their ability to reproduce.

School leavers living in the Whitsundays will be eligible for over $25,000 in financial support to study at James Cook University courtesy of a new scholarship from the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT).

A new online initiative to provide social and emotional support to first-time mothers living in regional, rural and remote communities across Northern Queensland will see novice mums paired with a volunteer support person from December 8.

New research from a James Cook University scientist shows that energy poverty – being unable to afford to heat or cool your home – makes it harder to find work.

A microscopic organism linked to serious seafood-related illness has been detected for the first time in the waters of Hervey Bay and Gladstone.

Traditional owners have today held a traditional smoking ceremony ahead of James Cook University staff moving into The Yeinie Building (formerly known as Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre) in the heart of the Cairns CBD.

After a life of captivity James Cook University turtle researchers are releasing baby loggerhead turtles back into the wild, tracking them as they begin their journey home.

James Cook University’s Indigenous Summer School is empowering school leavers to prepare for academic success this week at the Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville.

James Cook University researchers say the endangered southern black‑throated finch has suffered a dramatic population drop after an extreme wet season was followed by a large wildfire near Ross River Dam in Townsville.

New research has highlighted the potential of AI-powered nets, real-time monitoring and other technologies to help net-based fisheries tackle the growing crisis of jellyfish by-catch.

New research suggests stress‑related physiological changes in adolescence may lay the groundwork for serious mental health problems in adulthood and opens the door for nipping them in the bud.

James Cook University (JCU) researchers say it’s time to look deeper – literally – as groundwater may determine whether coastal wetlands lock away carbon or leak it back into the atmosphere.

New research from James Cook University (JCU) combining artificial intelligence with acoustic monitoring to track mammal populations across eastern Australia is a game-changing step for animal conservation.

The Australian Tropical Herbarium (ATH) Joint Venture at James Cook University in Cairns will remain a cornerstone of tropical biodiversity research and education for another decade after the renewal of its Joint Venture Agreement.

Australia is leading the way in sustainable agriculture with a new research initiative exploring the use of crushed basalt rock to improve soil health and sequester carbon as trials begin on rice and cotton farms.

This week James Cook University (JCU) faculty have joined forces with Pacific health representatives from 16 countries in Honiara, Solomon Islands, for the 2025 Pacific Mosquito Surveillance Strengthening for Impact (PacMOSSI) practical workshop.

James Cook University (JCU) researchers have discovered that the same chemical compounds produced by mountain-top plants to help them survive climate change in North Queensland may also hold promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

James Cook University’s commitment to increasing the First Nations nurse and midwifery workforce has received a huge boost after welcoming home a trailblazing leader in this area.

Townsville’s 3rd Brigade have regained bragging rights over James Cook University after edging their rivals five wins to three in the annual “Battle of the Icons” sporting challenge last Friday.

A $7.5 million partnership between North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and James Cook University (JCU) will deliver a five-year program to advance marine science across four ports.

A groundbreaking $3.8 million research project is putting local voices at the centre of decision-making for the future of the Solomon Islands.

A team of James Cook University (JCU) marine researchers are currently aboard CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator, looking to discover new species and unlock the secrets of Australia’s deep ocean.

James Cook University will take on the might of Townsville’s 3rd Brigade this Friday, October 31, with the University looking to defend its overall crown in the annual “Battle of the Icons” Uni vs Army Games.

Researchers are examining how people who use non-prescribed psychedelics manage risk, as the practice rises sharply worldwide.

As dengue cases in the Pacific reach their highest levels in a decade, new James Cook University (JCU) research highlights how human movement and weather patterns contribute to outbreaks in the region.

James Cook University has continued its incredible streak of being rated 5 out of 5 stars for undergraduate full-time employment in the latest edition of The Good Universities Guide.

Marine scientist and James Cook University (JCU) climate change researcher Joshua Lesicar will continue his studies at the prestigious University of Oxford after being named a 2026 Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholar.

Australia has been identified as a global sanctuary for dugongs, following a major international report warning species are nearing extinction across much of their natural range.

A new study has found face and jaw (oral and maxillofacial, OMF) injuries increased in Queensland, prompting a call for more focus on reducing violence in rural and remote parts of the state.

James Cook University researchers have invented an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that fuses different satellite imagery for high-precision oil spill spotting from space, and it could be crucial to future environmental monitoring.

James Cook University and Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), paving the way for academic and research collaboration with enormous potential for both nations.

A remote island at the very northern tip of Australia has been revealed as a tropical refuge for three species new-to-science — a gecko and two frogs — found nowhere else on Earth.

James Cook University and the Townsville Fire will continue their longstanding partnership, with JCU set to continue as foundation partner of the four-time Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) champions.

Students from regional and remote Queensland have the chance to receive significant financial support for their studies at James Cook University, thanks to the 11th annual QCoal Foundation Scholarship.

A gold medal in men’s judo from Odysseas Kolovisteas and a stunning cycling haul has helped guide James Cook University to a record seven medals at the recent UniSport Nationals on the Gold Coast.

The Margaret Roderick Centre for Mental Health Research (MRCMHR) at James Cook University is opening its doors to the community this October, hosting a series of free events designed to share knowledge, build skills, and spark conversations about

James Cook University (JCU) has launched a new initiative aimed at ensuring arts and culture in the North no longer take a back seat in government funding and policies.

James Cook University’s annual Mindful Warriors Retreat on Saturday, October 11, will help high-pressure workers and community members unwind, restore and re-centre during Queensland Mental Health Week.

A new free eBook developed by James Cook University researchers will help deliver relevant and sustainable solutions to health and health service issues in rural, regional and remote North Queensland.

Researchers at James Cook University have discovered that venoms from two species of stonefish possess powerful immunosuppressive properties and could pave the way for the development of new drugs.

Researchers say more needs to be done to protect the mental well-being of jurors required to sit through the harrowing evidence presented in some trials.

James Cook University (JCU) Dentistry students delivered smiles and skills to Far North Queensland earlier this month, running hands-on oral health workshops for children, seniors, and community members as part of the University’s remote outreach

Scientists have developed a new computer tool that reveals layers of gene activity that were previously invisible, opening fresh possibilities for understanding health and disease.

New research from James Cook University reveals that black corals, a species commonly neglected from reef studies, could be the key to buffering coral reef decline.

A new publication highlights the extensive impact of unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs) on communities and public health.

James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction due to new and escalating threats.

More than 250 scientists, policymakers, and reef managers will gather in Townsville from September 16-18 for the Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS) annual conference.

James Cook University (JCU) honoured their standout Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the ninth annual Indigenous Student Awards Night in Cairns this week.

First time author Khin Myint has won this year’s $50,000 Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award for Fragile Creatures: A Memoir.

Groundwater flowing into rivers, lakes and wetlands may be releasing far more methane into the atmosphere than scientists realised, according to new James Cook University-led research.

James Cook University has welcomed more than 1,700 new students, who are diving into a week of celebrations to mark the beginning of their studies.

New research reveals some rainforest tree species use self-cooling strategies to withstand rising temperatures, but others are more at risk.

A James Cook University researcher is off to the USA after securing a prestigious Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship to examine rare manuscripts written by rainforest travellers up to 125 years ago.

A James Cook University researcher says cars that ‘see through each other’s eyes’ by sharing data with neighbouring vehicles will be the next wave of autonomous vehicles.

A move to a state-of-the-art facility in the Cairns CBD and record growth in enrolments has James Cook University’s Bachelor of Nursing Science course primed for 2026.

A recent clinical study shows children with a fish allergy may be able to eat gummy shark, which is commonly sold as flake and often the fish in your fish and chips. It is one of a very few shark species globally that comes from sustainable fisheries

New research shows that baby blacktip reef sharks use warm waters to boost their escape performance from adult sharks, barracudas and other predators.

James Cook University researchers have developed a focused tutorial to help advance the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

James Cook University will formally partner with Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC), with the University excited to collaborate with one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

Antarctica is at risk of abrupt and potentially irreversible changes to the continent’s ice, ocean and ecosystems that could have profound implications for Australia and beyond, unless urgent action is taken to curb global carbon emissions.

James Cook University’s Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CQCRRH) had its official opening in Emerald this week as it continues to make huge strides for the region’s health workforce.

James Cook University’s Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health, (CQCRRH)  Emerald has been awarded nearly a million dollars to help improve bowel cancer screening in rural, remote, and Indigenous communi

Researchers have discovered five new coral species, and the discovery dramatically changes our understanding of coral on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.

On Friday 8 August, six inspiring alumni, working across law, government, conservation, and medicine, will be awarded for their outstanding contributions to their fields in a ceremony held at the Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville.

A James Cook University researcher has been poring through deer poo using new DNA analysis tools - looking to discover more about the habits of an invasive deer damaging agricultural landscapes.

Statement regarding recent court proceedings. James Cook University does not tolerate domestic or family violence and is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members of its community. Following recent court

Five books have been shortlisted for the prestigious $50,000 Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award in 2025, with the winner set to be announced in September.

Researchers are warning that scientists, funders, and policymakers must act in concert to ensure responsible decision making and deployment of novel ocean-based climate interventions.

A new species of stick insect, suspected to be the heaviest insect in Australia, has been discovered in high altitudes of the Atherton Tablelands, North Queensland.

New research into north Queensland’s 2025 flood disaster has found that roughly one third of people living in the Townsville and surrounding regions were unprepared for the flood emergency.

James Cook University will open the doors of its Cairns Nguma-bada campus (Smithfield) this Friday, July 25, to showcase the University’s world-class educational programs and research.

JCU hosted a signing ceremony on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to celebrate 25 years of Australian South Sea Islanders.

James Cook University researchers are partnering with Howe Farming in Far North Queensland to explore a groundbreaking method of improving soil health and carbon drawdown by feeding crops crushed basalt.

James Cook University will partner with fellow research powerhouse QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to leverage their combined strengths and advance research and health outcomes.

James Cook University is preparing to open the doors of its Bebegu Yumba (Douglas) campus to the public for its annual Open Day events.

New research has found that delivering a stronger form of the tuberculosis vaccine directly to the lungs can help generate protective immune cells to help fight the disease.

In an Australian first, James Cook University staff have produced a free fully comprehensive foundational etextbook that will save nursing students hundreds of dollars.

As warming seas cause bull sharks to spend more time off Sydney’s coast, a James Cook University expert says that this may increase overlap between sharks and people along the coast of Australia’s most populated city.

A diverse selection of 10 books has been longlisted for the $50,000 Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award in 2025.

Analysis of ancient core samples from the bottom of a lagoon in the Northern Territory suggests future monsoons across northern Australia will be more intense as the global climate warms further.

Drone surveys show coral was practically wiped out near Queensland’s Lizard Island last year and scientists say repeated bleaching from a warming ocean gives it little long-term chance of survival.

James Cook University researchers will be part of a program designed to bring better care to North Queenslanders suffering from a high incidence of deadly ailments ranging from diabetes to congenital heart disease in children.

More than 100 students have enjoyed a taste of university life at this week’s JCU Indigenous Winter School Program.

James Cook University (JCU) and CQ University (CQU) are preparing to host the Australian Historical Association’s (AHA) national conference, bringing more than 220 historians from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to Townsville this week,

Researchers have created a database bringing together records of fire across Australia and New Zealand over thousands of years, which offers insights into how bushfires may be changing.

Hugely popular podcasters and business partners Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott will return to their old stomping grounds at James Cook University for a special event on Friday, July 4.

New research by 40 of the world’s top neuroscientists has given a powerful new push to the idea that mental disorders could be linked to energy levels in the brain.

‘Playing dead’ might be the key to survival for many species in the animal kingdom, but new research from James Cook University suggests it’s no great help for sharks and rays.

James Cook University’s landmark Engineering and Innovation Place building has been named in the World’s Most Beautiful Campuses List 2025 in the prestigious Prix Versailles awards.

A new study has confirmed that when it comes to body size, sharks play by the rules – and it could reshape how we understand biology across the animal kingdom.

Supporting new dads’ mental health may play an important role in fostering their children’s healthy development, a new study shows.

JCU researchers are calling for urgent action to reverse severe environmental degradation of Townsville’s coast, with a new study revealing a nearly 90 per cent decrease in water clarity in the region’s waters since the 1960s.

Diabetes researchers are calling on the Federal Government to subsidise access to life-saving technology to manage diabetes, with new research showing dramatic improvements in patients’ outcomes from using the devices.

A JCU researcher is investigating the link between psychological trauma experienced by women giving birth and their subsequent relationship styles – and she wants to hear from women who’ve given birth in the past two years.

Practicing different types of meditations on a regular basis could be the key to reducing stress and improving the mental health of police officers on the beat – according to a James Cook University researcher.

James Cook University will help combat alarming rates of diabetes in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through a scholarship fund designed to boost the health educator workforce.

Scientists believe changes in the Earth’s climate could be allowing sharks to swim further than ever before.

James Cook University has partnered with Townsville City Council to install specialised environmental wraps on river pylons for a groundbreaking project along the city's Flinders Street foreshore.

A potential breakthrough treatment that’s inhaled through the nose could help treat traumatic brain injuries, according to James Cook University researchers.

Researchers at James Cook University (JCU) have co-developed a free and user-friendly software that can reliably detect cane toad calls across Australia to help monitor the notoriously invasive species.

A new way of thinking about marine resources could spark a global revolution if China embraces the practice.

The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has celebrated its inaugural Graduation Ceremony, with 23 students taught by James Cook University among the nearly 400 graduates honoured for their academic achievements last week.

Life-saving treatments for several devastating diseases such as cancer and diabetes may never have been developed without the help of clinical trials – and a James Cook University researcher is aiming to highlight just how important trials are at

A trial of a new app has highlighted the often-overlooked mental health challenges fathers face when welcoming a new baby into the family.

New research shows listening to emotive music while being guided by a psychologist could encourage people to seek mental health support.

Pets suffering from a range of debilitating conditions can benefit from an innovative service being offered at Townsville’s JCUVet – medical acupuncture.

Cutting-edge gene analysis has produced evidence that profound changes took place in reef fish communities about 20 million years ago, reshaping our understanding of coral reef evolution.

Buildings damaged by the “relatively low wind speeds” of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred have revealed what aspects will need to be drastically improved so communities can continue to function after future cyclones, according to a new report from

A new paper based on research in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest suggests ‘termite transplants’ may be necessary to help regenerating forests thrive.

James Cook University scientists have been trying to discover exactly why some animals glow under ultraviolet light.

A medical student at James Cook University is showcasing how nanoparticles could enhance breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A new study has put to the test what happens when dominant ant species vanish from the ecosystem – with worrying results.

A new study led by James Cook University Senior Research Officer and Lecturer, and University of New South Wales PhD candidate, Hillary Smith, has examined the effectiveness of coral seeding devices to help corals survive in warming oceans.

James Cook University has welcomed the Federal Opposition’s promise to provide an extra 25 Commonwealth-funded places for JCU’s Medicine program, if it wins the upcoming federal election.

James Cook University’s Medicine program is set to celebrate its 25th birthday, with the medical school producing more than 2500 doctors for Townsville and beyond since 2000.

James Cook University engineers have developed a groundbreaking material that could revolutionise aerospace design - and will now partner with one of the world’s top manufacturers to push its limits.

James Cook University has launched a new PhD program, PhD@Work, that will help drive innovation and development that supports North Queensland’s economic growth.

A James Cook University researcher and Army veteran behind an innovative program that combines physical fitness and mental wellbeing has issued a call to arms for Townsville veterans wanting to get back to their best.

Buzzing insects may be seen as pests – but globally, hundreds of fly species migrate over long distances, with major benefits for people and nature, new research shows.

James Cook University scientists have found stonefish toxins could be used to fight parasitic worm infections suffered by nearly a quarter of the world’s population.

Dozens more pharmacists in Queensland will be able to diagnose, prescribe and provide referrals for a range of common acute and chronic health conditions after completing a James Cook University program.

A recent study on cell-cultivated fish has produced promising results that could put seafood back on the menu for the three to five percent of the global population with severe food allergies.

The latest technology to extract venom from box jellyfish and Irukandji has arrived in the Far North – helping researchers combat injuries caused by the stingers.

A trip on James Cook University’s Daintree Rainforest canopy crane has inspired a writer to new heights in her work.

An alarming number of cancer “hotspots” identified in a James Cook University-led study has prompted calls for better education of the warning signs in regional Queensland.

A James Cook University biologist has discovered a new species of lizard on Scawfell Island, a remote island 50km east of Mackay in north Queensland.

JCU researchers are hoping to unlock the enormous potential of grouper fish as a source of healthy seafood in Australia and Vietnam.

New research shows music can lift the mood of listeners who are feeling low, and researchers want to better understand how listening to music can boost wellbeing.

A huge study analysing 40 years of data has found tropical forests are not adapting fast enough to climate change, leading to fears over their ability to survive as the Earth warms.

February’s monsoonal rainfall in northern Queensland has had a devastating effect on the Giant Clam Garden off James Cook University’s Orpheus Island Research Station, with the reduced salinity in the water leading to a mass die off.

Researchers say climate change-induced changes in the weather may have dire effects on mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) in island nations.

A new study on how children left behind cope when their parents go overseas for work has found mixed results.

Northern Queenslanders who endured last month’s major flood event are being urged to recount their experiences in a James Cook University survey aimed at improving preparedness for the next severe weather event.

The Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC) welcomes the appointment of Dr. Scott Davis as its new Executive Director to lead TAAHC’s transition from an establishment phase to one of growth, success, and influence.

A Far North Queensland teen is daring to dream big after receiving a $30,000 scholarship designed to set James Cook University students up for success.

Traditional Owners from North Queensland and James Cook University researchers have identified native plant compounds that could soon alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

An extensive flood plume caused by the recent severe weather event in northern Queensland is pushing vast amounts of river discharge to cover about 50,000 km2 of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns to Mackay – stretching across inshore, mid-shelf,

Two new distinct frog species have been discovered in North Queensland.

An artificial intelligence model designed to classify complex medical case documents has been bested by its human challengers – but researchers say the AI technology could still be of enormous benefit.

A research centre that will invest up to $1 million in funding every year to improve the mental health of northern Australians and beyond has been launched at James Cook University.

Hundreds of students will take the first step on their academic journey at James Cook University, flocking to campus today for the start of O Week.

Environmentally hazardous cigarette butts may ironically hold the answer to cleansing Australia’s waterways of major metal contaminants, according to a new James Cook University-led study.

A new study shows that fully protecting the world’s most popular scuba diving sites could not only help marine life bounce back, but also generate an extra US $2 billion for coastal economies.

JCU researchers are looking into measures of past temperature variation to better predict the risk of bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.

A four year-long research study has found that particles secreted by an intestinal worm may assist in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an ailment suffered by millions of people globally.

A new study has found that nearly half the coral trout caught on the Great Barrier Reef come from marine reserves – where protected fish grow larger and produce far more offspring.

The Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville will reopen on Tuesday 4th February but there may be some disruptions to teaching and services.

Occupational therapy students have been visiting the homes of elderly people to determine their risk of having a fall - in an attempt to lessen the impact of the $2.3 billion problem.

First Nations patients in regional Queensland have seen significant improvement in their management of Type 2 diabetes under a new programme backed by James Cook University researchers, leading to calls to expand it state-wide.

James Cook University researchers will trial a new way of caring for Torres Strait Islanders in an attempt to bring down high rates of dementia in the community.

Scientists say the latest study of the effects of a heatwave on a part of the Great Barrier Reef shows ‘catastrophic’ damage – with global warming no longer a projection but an immediate reality and urgent action necessary.

Following a spate of recent fatal accidents, a James Cook University scientist is warning of the drowning danger posed by waterfalls as people flock outdoors and look to cool off over the Australia Day long weekend.

James Cook University researchers are working on selective breeding of the Akoya oyster as they prepare to unlock the enormous potential of this emergent food source.

A James Cook University surgeon is off to the Philippines to help provide life-changing operations to people in the Southeast Asian nation.

Access to midwifery services for expectant mothers in the Mackay region and beyond will be boosted with the launch of a face-to-face component based in the city.

The search for long-lost shipwrecks, downed aircraft and even rare species of coral and fish could become easier thanks to a ground-breaking image enhancement technology developed by James Cook University researchers.

Nearly 3000 prospective James Cook University (JCU) students are a step closer to their chosen careers, with more than 1000 receiving offers in today’s Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) major round.

James Cook University researchers examining the challenges faced by women in gaining a diagnosis for two debilitating conditions are urging GPs to come forward with their own experiences.

A new global study of sharks, rays and chimaeras (closely related to sharks) has shown overfishing is driving most species to extinction as demand for their meat rapidly increases – but Australia is currently bucking the trend.

Researchers have been analysing how humanoid robots relate to people and say teaching the machines how to understand emotion may be essential in getting the best from them.

A global study of freshwater species has found nearly a quarter are threatened with extinction, with scientists calling for the findings to be used to help reduce the loss of freshwater biodiversity.

JCU researchers have found particles in popular ‘superfood’ Spirulina that could lead to lead to huge advancements in vaccine production and effectiveness.