The Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) is based at James Cook University (JCU), Australia's leading tropical research university.
Our mission is to promote cutting-edge ecological and environmental research in the tropics, and the wise management, conservation and sustainable use of tropical terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, in Australia and internationally.
Latest news
TESS team members of CABAH astounding new look at the ancient routes and complex technologies used by Australia's first arrivals
They used sophisticated modelling to determine not only the likely routes traveled led by Aboriginal people tens of thousands of years ago, but also the sizes of groups required for the population to survive in harsh conditions.
Read the article
TESS team resolves phylogenetic relationships of pitcher plants (Nepenthes)
This study showed that genome skimming provides well resolved nuclear and plastid phylogenies that provide valuable insights into the complex evolutionary relationships of Nepenthes.
Read the article
TESS's Silvia Tavares shows urban design drives the microclimate and it can impact the local economy
A simple thing like designing an area to make it more walkable can boost local business profits.
Read the articleEcological and environmental research for the Tropics
155
Researchers
TESS researchers currently number over 100, drawn from four JCU Colleges and affiliated members from other institutions.
1,160
Publications
Our collaborations are global. Our publications reach high-impact journals, such as Science and Nature.
8
Facilities
JCU has well equipped field stations and analytical facilities close to two World Heritage reef and rainforest areas and a range of drier tropical savannas.
Outstanding Research
TESS research addresses the pressing, complex, trans-disciplinary and interconnected issues of S3D – Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development – across the tropical world
JCU is the only Australian university to receive the highest ranking of 5 (well above World Standard) in Environmental Science and Management in the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment for every round.
JCU's unique location enables researchers and students from Australia and overseas to work in a diverse physical environment unparalleled by any university in the world. Nowhere else is it possible to visit reef, rainforest and savanna in a single day, returning to world-class laboratory facilities in a vibrant and attractive tropical city.
