Discover. Connect. Be inspired.
Join the 2026 JCU Research Festival – three weeks of events showcasing the ideas, people and partnerships shaping research in the Tropics and beyond.
From panel discussions and showcases to networking events and the Three Minute Thesis Final, there’s something for everyone.
Registrations open soon!
Week 1
Cairns
Research Exhibition
An interactive showcase of JCU's research centres, institutes, infrastructure & societies
Research Festival Launch
Celebrate research achievements, connect with community, and access the full program
EduQuarium Tour
A tour of the JCU Cairns EduQuarium Facility used for research and filming
Behind the Research
A Services Showcase and Social Event for JCU Professional Staff
Online
Research Festival Launch
Celebrate research achievements, connect with community, and access the full program
Townsville
Research Exhibition
An interactive showcase of JCU's research centres, institutes, infrastructure & societies
Research Festival Launch
Celebrate research achievements, connect with community, and access the full program
JCU Physical Sciences Society Research Night
Seminars and presentations showcasing research opportunities for JCU students
What I wish I knew about Research
Practical Tips and Tricks for HDR students and ECR staff to achieve impactful research
Resource Technology & Critical Minerals
Learn about research and progress being made under the Resource Technology & Critical Minerals Trailblazer Program
Week 2
Cairns
World Ecoacoustics Congress
Join the 6th World Ecoacoustics Congress (WEC) held in Cairns
Communications that cut through
Professional Development workshop for staff who support communications across JCU
Celebrating Research Impact: Day One
Explore how ideas move from lab to market, how careers in research are evolving, & how industry and academia are working together
Celebrating Research Impact: Day Two
Industry Reverse Pitch, Industry in residence, Founders in Residence, and fireside chats
Online
Pitching and Writing for The Conversation
A workshop for JCU Researchers with insights from an editor from The Conversation
Townsville
Communications that cut through
Professional Development workshop for staff who support communications across JCU
Innovation Showcase
This session will use showcases to examine the research to commercialisation pathway
Partnering with Industry
Researchers and Businesses discuss how and why to partner for successful research and commercial outputs
Crossing the Divide
The “Two Cultures” and the craft of research writing: A session for Researchers
Dive into the Tropics: Research on the Reef
Learn about groundbreaking research from the Reef, with presentations and interactive exhibits
Equity, Epidemics and Environment
A Public Health Leader’s Perspective on One Health in Queensland. Rick Speare Oration
Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Industry Engagement Masterclass
A course for HDR, PostDoc, and ECRs to boost skills in industry and stakeholder engagement. Session offered as part of an 8-week course
Week 3
Cairns
Research Infrastructure Showcase
Explore opportunities, connect with facility managers, and see how JCU Infrastructure can support your research
Science in the Pub
Things that bite and sting: Talks from JCU Scientists then a trivia night
Townsville
Publish, Perish, or Prompt
A panel discussion on practical, ethical & other considerations for research in the Age of AI
Behind the Research
A Services Showcase and Social Event for JCU Professional Staff
Research Infrastructure Showcase
Explore opportunities, connect with facility managers, and see how JCU Infrastructure can support your research
3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
One slide. Three minutes. Zero jargon. Watch the next generation of researchers think on their feet.
3 Minute Thesis (3MT) After Party
Research done, party started. Head to the 3MT After Party for live music from Space Jam
Students & Professionals aligning, relating & knowledge-sharing (SPARK)
Featuring a panel discussion with seven recipients of the 2026 JCU Outstanding Alumni Awards