About the Festival

The JCU Research Festival brings together researchers, students, industry and community to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and spark new collaborations.

From 10–28 August 2026, events across Cairns and Townsville will showcase how JCU research is contributing locally and beyond.

Festival Highlights

Research showcases across disciplines

Panel discussions and practical “how‑to” sessions

Industry networking and collaboration opportunities

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final

The JCU Research Awards

Research communications workshops

Why attend?

Explore

See JCU research up close – from lab-based projects to real-world applications across the Tropics.

Connect

Build new connections across disciplines, sectors and communities while exploring opportunities for collaboration, partnership and impact.

Participate

Open to JCU staff, students, industry and community members – take part in sessions, workshops and events.

Featured events

Cairns

Research Infrastructure Showcase: Cairns

Explore opportunities, connect with facility managers, and see how JCU Infrastructure can support your research

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Online

Open Access publishing: A workshop for Academics

Understand the benefits of open access publishing and how to make your research freely available to the public at no cost to you as an author

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Townsville

Research Infrastructure Showcase: Townsville

Explore opportunities, connect with facility managers, and see how JCU Infrastructure can support your research

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Townsville

3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

One slide. Three minutes. Zero jargon. Watch the next generation of researchers think on their feet.

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Festival Program

From 10-28 August 2026, events will be held across Carins, Townsville and online, bringing together researchers, students, industry partners and community.

Browse the program to discover workshops and networking opportunities throughout the Festival.

View Full program