Faculty of Science and Engineering

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Man on scooter indonesia street

New Colombo Plan - Short Term Programs

Expand your view of the world and learn how we can make an impact on our region through a short-term study program. These programs are all supported by the New Colombo Plan, an initiative of the Australian Government to lift the knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduate students to undertake a short-term study program in the region.

Programs are approximately two weeks in duration and numbers are limited. For more information please contact the academic supervisor listed below or exchange@scu.edu.au.

Group of students on boat in Japan

Two-week Study Tour of Coral Reefs in Okinawa

22 July - 5 August 2024

Students have exposed to cutting-edge research at the University of the Ryukyus and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. They had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in coral reef research and conservation, interact with researchers and HDR students, and immerse themselves in the unique Japanese culture.

This enriching program, funded by The New Colombo Plan and led by Dr. David Abrego with the support of our Japanese partner institutions, has provided students with a remarkable platform to enhance their scientific knowledge and cultural understanding.

Academic Supervisor: Dr. David Abrego

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Protecting globally valuable natural resources, Indonesia

August 2024

Students will conduct field projects, participate in workshops and lectures, and visit marine science facilities to explore the challenges of protecting globally valuable natural marine resources in Eastern Indonesia.

Field trips will include coral reef studies, mine site impact assessment, fisheries resource use and considerations of food safety and food security. Integration with students and staff at the University of Pattimura will provide a rich knowledge-sharing experience.


Academic Supervisor: Amanda Reichelt-Brushett

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Waste as a Resource

Feb 2024

This NCP project aims to explore advanced waste management and resource recovery in Japan from industrial, social, and academic perspectives. With both Australia and Japan facing the challenge of climate change, this initiative fosters collaboration to support research and innovation in sustainability.

Academic Supervisor: Lachlan Yee

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In February 2024, ten students from Faculty of Science and Engineering received the NCP Mobility Grant to embark on a transformative two-week program in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on waste management. This immersive experience provided them with invaluable opportunities to deepen their knowledge and broaden their capabilities in the field of sustainability.

Throughout the program, the students collaborated closely with their Japanese peers from Tokyo City University, engaging in cutting-edge lab experiments that fostered cross-cultural learning and innovation. They also visited the Clean Authority of Tokyo’s compostable waste facility, gaining first-hand insight into advanced waste processing techniques. A highlight of the trip was their visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), where they explored the latest advancements in science and technology related to waste management.

These enriching experiences have significantly expanded the students' understanding of effective waste management practices, equipping them with the skills needed to address global environmental challenges.

SCU’s dedication to sustainability is exemplified by its Zero Waste research cluster, which brings together experts from diverse disciplines to develop comprehensive solutions for waste management. This innovative project has delved into integrating waste into the circular economy, exploring various approaches to tackle the complexities and opportunities associated with waste management.

The NCP project has not only offered SCU students a unique chance to enhance their skills but also enabled them to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts. Through international collaboration and hands-on experience, these students have played a crucial role in shaping the future of waste management and resource recovery. Their journey in Tokyo stands as a testament to SCU’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and global citizenship.