Research at Southern Cross University

    Research impact clusters

    In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level.

    Research impact clusters
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    Find a supervisor

    In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level.

    Find a research supervisor
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    Research degrees

    In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level.

    Explore Higher Research Degrees
    PhD student Duc Truong Nguyen and researcher Szabolcs Lehoczki-krsjak at the experimental rice crop in Lismore.

    Rankings

    In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level.

    See our global impact
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    Our researchers

    In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level.

    Spotlight on researchers
    A student in a lab coat examining a piece of coral.

    Research services

    In the challenge to create a better tomorrow, our research clusters are taking that commitment to the next level.

    Login to Launchpad our research services portal
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    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.”

    Professor Mary Spongberg   Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Academic Capability)
    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

    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.

    Coral at Lizard Island

    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. 

    Coffs Harbour rocky beach
    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

    Science, Environment & Marine

    The Conversation: A great year to be a cabbage white butterfly: why are there so many and how can you protect your crops?

    Cabbage white butterfly_credit Erik Karits on Pexels
    Rankings

    New rankings are evidence of Southern Cross commitment to tackle climate emergency and create a more sustainable world

    Peter Harrison at Lizard Island
    Science, Environment & Marine

    The Conversation: What does Australian-grown coffee taste like, and how does it compare? Our research describes its unique ‘terroir’

    Cups of coffee_credit Justin Bhalla on Unsplash
    Science, Environment & Marine

    A double shot for Australia’s emerging coffee-growing industry

    Coffee tasting panel
    Science, Environment & Marine

    The Conversation: Controversial claims about extinct humans are stirring up evolution research. Here’s how the mess could have been avoided

    Human fossils_credit Boris Hamer on Pexels
    Research & Academic

    Research affirms sorry state of the Richmond River Catchment

    A group of people standing on a river bank
    Science, Environment & Marine

    New guide will streamline global research on storing man-made carbon dioxide in world’s oceans

    Marine life at Heron Island
    Health

    The Conversation: Trying to spend less on food? Following the dietary guidelines might save you $160 a fortnight

    Shopping at supermarket_credit Gustavo Fring on Pexels
    Transforming Tomorrow

    When Southern Cross University set out to revolutionise the way it teaches, everything centred around one thing: our students’ success

    Law

    Sovereign citizens: new calls to rein in scammers who believe they are above the law

    Driver arguing with police officer

    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
    Acknowledgement of Country image

    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

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