Research - Southern Cross University

Launchpad provides resources and information for university researchers

Research for a better world

The protection of our planet requires transformative research. At Southern Cross University, our research impact clusters identify four areas of urgent need: Harvest to Health, ZeroWaste, Reefs and Oceans & Catchments, Coasts and Communities.

While our researchers are already making an impact locally, regionally and globally, we believe these clusters will enhance that impact.

By optimising ideas, projects, facilities and resources; targeting existing and potential areas of need; and enabling interconnected and multidisciplinary relationships, our clusters represent a targeted approach to a common goal – a better, safer, more sustainable world.

Professor Mary Spongberg BA(Hons)(Sydney), PhD(Sydney) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Academic Capability)

“There is a simple reason for the research we do at Southern Cross University – the future. On our precious reefs, oceans and waterways. From the middle of the desert to the heart of the rainforest. On farms and in factories, in hospitals and health facilities, in the laboratory and the lecture theatre. From our local communities to the world.”

View our research impact clusters

Making an impact on the world stage

World standard or above in 23 key research areas

Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) (2018)

Top 200 Young Universities

Times Higher Education World University ranking (2022)

Top 350 Agriculture and Forestry

QS World University Rankings (2021)

View all of our rankings

Southern Cross University is a world-ranked University, combining academic and research excellence with the intimacy and support that comes with being a leading institution in some of the most beautiful and community-led regions of Australia.

Great Barrier Reef researcher underwater

Research at Southern Cross

In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level - for the community, the region and the planet.

Research impact clusters

Research impact clusters aim to bring together researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds to conduct excellent, engaged, and impactful research. These clusters will focus on addressing significant challenges in areas such as the future of farming, natural resources, and health and wellbeing, working closely with community, industry, and government partners. Read more here.

Harvest to Health

We conduct fundamental and applied research to enhance the sustainable production of functional foods and natural products to assess their potential to optimise human health and reduce the risk of disease.

National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine PHD student Nicole Hannan in science lab

ZeroWaste

Bringing together research expertise in geochemistry, environmental science, engineering, business and education to develop solutions for our global waste problem.

Waste Management in the Circular Economy - image shows plastic waste in gloved hand

Reefs and Oceans

Working with industry, government and communities, our Reefs and Oceans research is helping to leverage the ecological, environmental, economic, and cultural value of our precious marine environments.

Catchments, Coasts and Communities

With deeper understanding of catchment processes and their response to environmental changes, we are driving new and critical strategies around land and water management.

A researcher working on a drone on a green lawn

Graduate School

Higher Degrees Research

We offer a diverse range of Higher Degree Research courses across a range of disciplines.

Find a supervisor

Search our extensive database to start your Higher Degrees Research journey by finding a research supervisor.

Research scholarships

We have a range of scholarships available to support your research studies.

Start your application

Applications for Higher Degrees Research can be made at any time throughout the year.

Find out more about the Graduate School

Research news

Naturopathy

Masters degree opens up life-changing opportunities for naturopath, Carla

Naturopath Carla O'Brien stands in front of a wall of natural medicines

Health

The Conversation: No, beetroot isn’t vegetable Viagra. But here’s what else it can do

Beetroot_credit Emma Jane Hobden-on Unsplash

Arts and Humanities

The Conversation: ‘It doesn’t matter where you come from’: regional youth orchestras help fight music education inequality

Youth orchestra_credit Roxanne Minnish on Pexels

University News

Southern Cross unveils bold campus vision

Health

Marathon superstar joins Southern Cross expert online panel

Health

The Conversation: Considering taking a weight-loss drug like Ozempic? Here are some potential risks and benefits

Obesity_credit Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash

Health

The Conversation: What’s the difference between autism and Asperger’s disorder?

Woman with headphones_credit Cottonbro Studio on Pexels

Health

Professor Anne Graham AO named Distinguished Professor

A woman in a pink dress looking at the camera

Science, Environment & Marine

Grain grower survey underway: Southern Cross Uni seeks farmers

Science, Environment & Marine

Fire ants must be eradicated, says Southern Cross entomologist

Various sizes of fire ants on 10 cent coin_credit National Fire Ant Eradication Program

Research Laboratories

Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL)

EAL is a NATA accredited lab, specialising in soil, compost, potting mix, contaminant, water, acid sulfate soil and acid sulfate rock testing.

Explore EAL services

Analytical Research Laboratory (ARL)

ARL is an accredited Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) lab, providing specialist capabilities in applied phytochemistry and herbal medicine quality control.

Explore ARL services

We acknowledge Widjabal Country as the Country where Southern Cross University originated and grew, and from where it continues to grow. It seeded the growth of our Gumbaynggirr Campus in Coffs Harbour, our Yugambeh Campus in Coolangatta and it planted the seeds to transform the Countries we are on.

Understanding our origins will make each step into the future a more purposeful one, leading all to transform tomorrow.

First Peoples Acknowledging Traditional Custodians

Quick links

Research Development

Governance & Integrity

Research Ethics

Research infrastructure

Centres and Labs