Research Research Themes Enriching People, Communities & Societies of the Tropics

Enriching People, Communities & Societies of the Tropics

Build meaningful, inclusive and safe societies in support of our communities in a changing world.

Research with impact

When being fair is not so easy

Six villages in Fiji are sharing the income from a new marine park, the Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park. But what is a fair division of this income that makes everyone in these communities happy? That is what JCU’s Dr Georgina Gurney has examined in her latest research project.

Exploring interventions for youth crime

Youth crime is a serious issue and there is no simple solution. However, research into the underlying factors involved can lead to a breakthrough. JCU Master’s Student Belinda Astridge is aiming to provide new insights into how childhood experiences may help to inform our understanding of juvenile offenders.

Judge scales sitting on a desk in a lawyers office.

The silence is over

Whether you've seen it in action or perhaps online, children all around Australia have been taking up activism in a bid to save the planet. JCU PhD Candidate Nita Alexander is researching this activism and says that children deeply care for the environment around them, even if not everyone wants to listen to what they have to say.

Connecting and protecting our communities

A true community is one where people support each other, especially those in vulnerable positions. In a semester full of unexpected change, JCU Social Work students worked to identify how both professionals and community members could best support the people who need it most.

Coloured string connects pins on a board

Our research

Our research interests are deeply rooted in promoting social equity and cultural understanding.

We explore eco-social justice to address environmental and social challenges.

Our focus on cultural values and practices helps preserve and celebrate diverse traditions.

We are dedicated to advancing education, scholarship, and learning to foster knowledge and growth.

Our work in communities and relationships aims to strengthen social bonds and support networks.

We study human factors, capability, and organization to enhance productivity and well-being.

Our commitment to human rights and gender equality drives our efforts to create a fair and inclusive society.

Research Institutes, Centres and Collaborations

Indigenous Education and Research Centre

Doing things better means doing something different. A leader in providing Indigenous education, research and engagement.

College of Arts, Society & Education

Delivering foundational knowledge and real-world impact which is focused on the societies and peoples of the tropics, working with partners to deliver globally informed and locally targeted insights to our communities.

The Cairns Institute

Work with and for people of the tropics to create brighter, more equitable, and enriching futures for all.

College of Business, Law & Governance

Engaged research that produces high-quality insights and has significant scholarly and societal impacts, with a particular emphasis on the Tropics and beyond.