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

Dr Luke Jeffrey

What if trees are doing more for the climate than we thought? Research has uncovered trillions of microbes living in tree bark that actively remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

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Dr Luke Jeffrey portrait

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

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 Dr Dylan Poulus in front of computer

Dr Dylan Poulus

Helping esports become safer by design

For millions of people, gaming is more than entertainment – it’s competition, identity, friendship and community. But public conversations around gaming and mental health are often reduced to one question: is it good or bad?

Dr Dylan Poulus is exploring how competitive gaming and esports affect performance, wellbeing and mental health. His work focuses on understanding when gaming can help young people thrive, and when it can become harmful.

From international guideline development to long-term studies tracking gaming habits and mental health, his research is helping define what healthy gaming participation actually looks like.

His work is helping shape safer, more supportive esports environments as competitive gaming rapidly grows worldwide. 

Dr Poulus has led international collaborations with organisations including Movember and secured the first-ever Australian Institute of Sport grant focused on high-performance esports research.  

Very soon, more people on Earth may participate in gaming than traditional sport. Understanding how these spaces influence mental health, belonging and behaviour will play an important role in helping young people navigate increasingly digital lives.

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