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.

Portrait of Professor Mary Spongberg with green trees in background

“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.”

Making an impact on the world stage

World standard or above in 23 key research areas

Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) (2018)

Top 100 Young Universities

Times Higher Education World University ranking (2024)

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.

Research Strategy

The research pillar within SCU's Strategic Plan has been expanded and summarised into a one-page strategy!

view here

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.

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 Integrity Complaints

Research Integrity at Southern Cross University

Practising research integrity means conducting research in a way that instils confidence and trust both in the methods used and the research findings.
SCU’s priority is to focus on education and to promote, encourage and support a culture of responsible research conduct for researchers both at this institution and in their field of practice.
The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 outlines the responsibilities of the institution and researchers.

Read the Code here

Where to make a complaint

If you suspect a potential breach of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018, whether you’re an SCU student, staff member, or a person outside of the organisation, you can make a complaint using the link below.
Before logging a complaint through the web-based Research Integrity Complaints Form, SCU staff and students are encouraged to consult with a Research Integrity Advisor in your Faculty or College.

Report a research related complaint here

Research news

What to do about a critical shortage of teachers? Helping solve a wicked maths problem

Dr Lewes Peddell walking through our Gold Coast Campus

Science, Environment & Marine

Southern Cross researchers secure ‘dream job’ at Lizard Island

A man and woman sitting on rocks with the ocean and an island in the background

Health

The Conversation: Children in need of ‘rescuing’: challenging the myths at the heart of the global adoption industry

Scholarships

New scholarships in artificial intelligence and sustainability

Image of blue lights connecting with a night city landscape

Science, Environment & Marine

The Conversation: Who would win in a fight between 100 men and 1 gorilla? An evolutionary expert weighs in

University News

Southern Cross University re-appoints Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin

A man in a business suit and open shirt standing outside in a garden.

Science, Environment & Marine

The Conversation: ‘A living collective’: study shows trees synchronise electrical signals during a solar eclipse

A mountain range, snow and trees against a blue sky

Science, Environment & Marine

Forest in sync: spruce trees communicate during a solar eclipse

A tree trunk in a forest with wires and devices attached

Education and Teaching

Helping give voice to people kept silent in our response to the climate emergency

Research & Academic

Black soldier flies: The unassuming insect transforming rubbish into resources

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

Quick links

Research infrastructure

Centres and Labs

Launchpad

Accelerate your research through Launchpad, our digital home for support services that make transformation possible.

Acknowledgement of Origins Artwork

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.

Elders Council Acknowledging Traditional Custodians