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Shaping the future through collaboration

Mandala design on blue background
Nursing student with anatomy model

Global partners in healthcare education

Every year a large cohort of Southern Cross students travel abroad to visit our partner institutions and learn about the challenges of healthcare in other countries. These experiences are life-changing, fostering a deep sense of cultural connection to another country. Students develop a greater understanding of global healthcare and how to apply this knowledge in their practice as skilled and empathetic healthcare professionals.

Nursing placement in India
Scientist in overalls crouched in creek with equipment

Water science supporting population growth

Rivers are critical veins for our urban centres, often the place where treated wastewater and storm water runoff is discharged. But as our cities grow rapidly, we need to ensure our rivers can cope. These researchers are working with utility providers and local government, using their knowledge of water systems and nutrient cycling to ensure a better future for our rivers, waterways and communities.

River health study
Person crushing food in mortar with pestel

Shaping the future of natural medicines

Our clinical trials unit plays an important role in the complementary medicines industry, supporting independent safety and efficacy assessment in product development. Our Analytical Research laboratory is accredited by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and plays a key role in providing the private and public sector with a range of phytochemical analytical services and quality testing of pharmaceutical raw materials and products to satisfy regulatory requirements.

Shaping the future of natural medicines
Diver swimming above coral reef

Buying time for fragile ecosystems

Coral reefs around the world are threatened by marine warming. The Great Barrier Reef has suffered diverse mass bleaching events in recent years. Southern Cross researchers, in partnership with universities and organisations around the country and internationally, are looking at innovative solutions to buy some time for reefs through techniques like cloud brightening, using water cannons to spray seawater into the sky.

Cloud brightening to protect corals
Hands holding cement cylinder showing plastic aggregate

Redefining waste as a resource

Champion of local circular economies that can scale, the ReCirculator program at Southern Cross has piloted diverse solutions to turn trash into treasure. These have included converting waste plastics into a concrete additive, into fuel or even into filament for 3D-printed housing. The project has also developed solutions with the agricultural industry to turn their waste products intro nutrient-rich compost or clean water.

ReCirculator
Two people in protective clothing inspecting honeycomb

Feeding our planet in a changing climate

Agriculture is at the frontline of climate change. Our researchers are working with farmers and industry to develop crops that are more resilient, can use less water and emit fewer greenhouse gases while providing increased nutritional value. Their work covers cannabis, rice, tea tree, coffee as well as the insects that pollinate a third of our food crops: honey bees.

Harvest to Health Research Cluster
Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

As we unveil the Southern Cross University Sustainability Report for 2023, we reflect on a year marked by significant strides towards our vision of becoming a leader in sustainable practices and a catalyst for global change. Our commitment to sustainability is not just an institutional priority; it is a shared responsibility that unites our students, staff, partners, and community in the pursuit of a more equitable and resilient future.

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Sustainability

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