James Cook University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

James Cook University (JCU) is a public teaching and research university located in North Queensland, Australia, with main campuses in Cairns and Townsville and an international campus in Singapore. Additional study centres are found in Mount Isa, Mackay, Thursday Island, and Rockhampton, while a Brisbane campus delivers courses to international students through Russo Higher Education. JCU’s research focuses on areas including environmental, biological, mathematical, earth, agricultural, veterinary, technology, medical, and health sciences. The university traces its origins to 1957 when Professor John Douglas Story proposed a regional university college for North Queensland. The University College of Townsville opened in 1961, and following an act of the Queensland Parliament, it became James Cook University of North Queensland in 1970, formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II. Its namesake, Captain James Cook, is known for exploring Australia’s eastern coast. Soon after its establishment, Cyclone Althea struck Townsville, prompting the creation of a cyclone research facility, now known as The Cyclone Testing Station. Over the years, JCU expanded through amalgamations and new campuses, including Cairns in 1987, the School of Art and Design in 1991, Singapore in 2003, and Brisbane in 2006. Recent developments include relocation of JCU Singapore in 2015, opening the Townsville City campus in 2015, and Cairns Bada-jali campus in 2017. JCU celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 with a Treasures exhibition and recognized Indigenous contributions by giving several campuses Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander names reflecting learning, knowledge, and growth. In 2019, a fire in University Hall led to the evacuation of over 200 students, prompting the university to provide emergency housing and construct a new housing precinct, The Village. Today, JCU is a prominent institution combining regional, national, and international education with a strong research focus and a commitment to community and Indigenous engagement.