Marine Science research

Our breadth of marine research projects is information the world, and helping to change it for the better.

Learn more about Higher Degree Research Find a research supervisor Explore the National Marine Science Centre
Marine Science Research - image shows researcher examining coral reef

Marine Science research

Driven by the future and a belief in possibilities, our marine scientific research at Southern Cross University highlights what can be achieved with hard work, passion and dedication

Research topics and projects

The below is more than a list of projects, it explains why we research what we do. The reason is simple: For the future. Protection of our marine ecosystems is a mighty challenge.

In the era of climate change, rising water temperatures and threatened species and ecosystems, the health of our oceans is fundamental to a sustainable future.

We embrace these challenges through research that is advancing knowledge, changing perceptions and informing strategies, locally, nationally and globally.

Professor Mary Spongberg
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)

“Our Reef is an irreplaceable ecosystem, home to many thousands of marine species, it’s under threat. We need to pioneer new solutions.”

Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison Lead researcher and Coral IVF pioneer
Learn more about the Coral IVF project Learn more about Research Impact Clusters

Marine Science research in the news

Southern Cross Uni Professor to lead multiple ARC projects, work with NASA in 2022

Southern Cross University biogeochemist Professor Bradley Eyre has secured funding for two Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects in a single round, and will work with the US space agency NASA on one of them.

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Professor Bradley Eyre

Leaf oysters: the unsung heroes of estuaries are disappearing, and we know almost nothing about them

Camouflaged by a layer of silty mud, most people probably wouldn’t notice the large flat oysters lurking beneath shallow water in Australia’s coastal estuaries. These are remarkable “leaf oysters”, and they can form reefs, produce mauve pearls, and reach the size of a dinner plate.

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Leaf Oyster

Spawn of a new era as Reef's first Coral IVF babies reach maturity

The first Coral IVF babies on the Great Barrier Reef have produced the next generation as part of this year’s mass coral spawning event, becoming the Reef's first breeding population using the innovative process pioneered by a Southern Cross University coral specialist.

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A scuba diver looking at corals

Researcher spotlight

Meet some of our pioneering researchers

The engineering oceanographer Dr Dan Harrison

From tracking tuna across the Pacific Ocean to brightening clouds over the Great Barrier Reef, Southern Cross University’s Dr Daniel Harrison is working to protect our ecosystems before it’s too late.

Dr Dan Harrison portrait

Inspired by nature: a deep dive with NMSC director Kirsten Benkendorff

From cancer cures to potent water filters, marine molluscs – all things snail, slug and octopi – have a lot to offer. Just ask the Director of the National Marine Science Centre, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff

Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, marine scientist ,crouches over a tank of water holding molluscs

Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison

For marine scientists such as Southern Cross University’s Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison, protecting the Great Barrier Reef is a mission to prevent a precious asset from becoming a precious memory.

Peter-Harrison-Diver-Marine-Ecology-Centre

Dr Steven Purcell, marine scientist for more than 20 years

In 2014 he authored a sea cucumber fishery processing manual for postharvest processing of small-scale fishery products that is now available in eight languages.

Dr Steven Purcell

Contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Executive Assistant to the
Dean of Faculty		 National Marine Science Centre
Kristy Cocks Reception
T: +61 2 6620 3557
E: kristy.cocks@scu.edu.au		 T:  +61 2 6659 8100
E: nmsc@scu.edu.au

Please direct all faculty enquires to:

T:  +61 2 6620 3650
E:  fseinfo@scu.edu.au