Research, explained.

Research that starts in our communities.
Impact that reaches the world.

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Coral reef with bleaching and tropical fish

Southern Cross University researchers are tackling global challenges in climate, health and food security, through work grounded in the regions we serve and delivered in partnership.

Southern Cross University Research aircraft

Research with real-world impact

Proven in the real world

Funded, tested and applied in real‑world settings

Partnered for impact

Delivered with industry, clinical and global partners

Shaping policy and practice

Informing policy and practice, at home and abroad

Globally recognised excellence

Recognised nationally and internationally

More research in action

Associate Professor Daniel Harrison

The race to protect coral reefs is reaching the sky. Research is exploring whether cloud brightening could help cool the waters surrounding vulnerable reef systems.

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Portrait of Dr Daniel Harrison at beach

Professor Peter Harrison

A new generation of corals is being grown for a changing climate. World-first Coral IVF research is helping restore stronger, more heat-tolerant reefs damaged by extreme ocean heat.

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Professor Peter Harrison in front of ocean at sunset

Dr Dylan Poulus

Gaming is no longer just a hobby – for millions, it’s community, competition and identity. Research is helping define what healthy participation in esports and online gaming really looks like.

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Dr Dylan Poulus sitting in front of computer

Professor Georgina Dimopoulos

Family court decisions can shape childhoods long after proceedings end. Research is helping better recognise children’s voices, experiences and safety during family separation.

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Georgina Dimopoulos portrait

Associate Professor Janet Schloss

Recovery doesn’t always end when treatment does or natural disaster clean-up begins. Research is exploring new ways to support people’s long-term recovery through their cancer journey or climate-related trauma with evidence-informed care.

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Portrait of Dr Janet Schloss

Professor Tobias Kretzschmar

The future of food won’t just depend on what we grow, but how we grow it. Research into climate-smart crops is exploring ways to grow staple foods with less water and lower emissions.

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Professor Tobias Kretzschmar portrait

One minute with

Tea tree in bloom at research site at Lismore campus.

A woman standing in a garden of herbs, trees in the background

Head and shoulders of man wearing blue shirt - Dr Borkwei Ed Nignpense

Michael Reading Profile Picture

Coffee researcher and scientist Professor Tobias Kretzschmar at a coffee plant trial site in Alstonville
Portrait of Luke Jeffrey

Dr Luke Jeffrey

Discovering the hidden climate power of trees

Trees are already known as one of nature’s best defences against climate change, but scientists are still uncovering how much more they might be doing behind the scenes.

Dr Luke Jeffrey studies the microscopic ecosystems living inside tree bark. His research discovered that trillions of microbes hidden within the bark of trees are actively removing greenhouse and toxic gases from the atmosphere. 

Working across forests and wetlands in eastern Australia, his team found these microbes consume gases like methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, revealing that trees may play a much larger role in regulating climate and air quality than previously understood.

The global surface area of tree bark is roughly equivalent to all seven continents combined. Understanding how these microscopic ecosystems help clean the atmosphere could influence future climate, conservation and reforestation strategies.

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