JCU welcomes six Smart Futures PhD scholarship recipients

Townsville is set to become home to six of Australia’s top 27 research students who will take up Smart Futures PhD scholarships at universities across the state in 2009.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the Queensland Government scholarships award each postgraduate $22,500 over three years for full-time research in varied disciplines.

Among the researchers to join James Cook University is Jimmy White who will be examining the effectiveness of current marine park zones in conserving shark populations on the Great Barrier Reef.

Jimmy said a tertiary background in marine biology and zoology and a lifelong interest in sharks were the inspiration for this project.

“I’ve always had a fascination with sharks and through my research I’m hoping to be able to help marine parks maximise effectiveness for all user groups while protecting shark populations,” Jimmy said.

“This study will use acoustic tracking technology as well as conventional mark recapture techniques to assess the efficiency of existing zones and will require me to work with a number of charter, commercial and research vessels in the area,” he said.

Another of the scholarship recipients, David Jones, will be studying distribution patterns of the highly venomous Irukandji and box jellyfish across Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

David, who has a background in genetics, hopes that being able to analyse the genetic structure of both species across populations may enable predictions to be made about dispersal and migration trends.

“If my research can allow forecasts to be made about where these jellyfish may be most prevalent at particular times of the year, then this would hopefully minimise contact with swimmers in high risk areas,” David said.

Other scholarship recipients to join JCU are Christina Hicks, Grant Sinnamon, Erica Todd and Rowan Trebilco.

Ms Boyle said other projects undertaken by the 27 PhD scholarship-holders will include climate change on the Great Barrier Reef, skin cancer treatment, obesity intervention, developing new learning methods, improving police investigative practices and the effects of aerosols on rainfall.

“Scholarships foster innovation in Queensland’s research and development sector, helping to build the foundations for a sustainable state-wide research community.

“This in turn plays a key role in our economic prosperity and social advancement.

Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds said James Cook University has an international reputation for quality research and it’s no surprise six of the recipients will be completing their studies here.

“Queensland already has a reputation for building world-class R&D infrastructure and now there is a push to attract leading researchers too.”

Ms Boyle added that during the past 10 years the Queensland Government has invested $3.4 billion in 36 new research institutes and more than 230 research scholarships and fellowships.

“The four-year $120 million Smart State Strategy, launched in 2008 and incorporating the Smart Futures scholarships, will boost science and industry’s capacity to solve problems through research, innovation and key partnerships across public and private sectors.

“The 28 scholarship-holders are to be congratulated on their success, given the calibre of applications received, and I look forward to the outcome of their research.”

12 February, 2009

Media contact: Marcus Taylor 3225 1005/0419 025 326 or Zoe Russell 3224 2007/0437 436 914
2009

James Cook University: Jim O'Brien 4781 4822

Link to photo of Jimmy White:
http://www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au/media/20093001_smartfutures/Smart%20Futures%20PhD%20scholarships%20winner-%20Jimmy%20White.jpg

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