History, Affiliations and Rankings
James Cook University (JCU) was established in 1961 as the University College of Townsville. After being proclaimed as an Act of Queensland Parliament, the University College of Townsville became the James Cook University of North Queensland. The official opening of the university was conducted by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 April 1970. Being the second oldest university in Queensland, it is a teaching and research institute. James Cook University has research connections with 124 countries and a total research income of $67.4 Million. It is ranked among the Top 25 Universities in Australia and Top 300 Universities in the World, according to Times Higher Education 2022. It is affiliated with Saints Catholic College and John Flynn college, both of which provide accommodation to JCU Students. In 2007 James Cook University became a member of Innovative Research Universities Australia (now called Innovative Research Universities). Innovative Research Universities (IRU) is a network of seven comprehensive universities committed to conducting research of national and international standing.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
James Cook University's main campuses are located in the tropical cities of Cairns and Townsville, and one in the city-state of Singapore. There is also a Brisbane campus, operated by Russo Higher Education, that delivers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to international and domestic students. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with its main fields of research including environmental sciences, biological sciences, mathematical sciences, earth sciences, agriculture and veterinary sciences, technology and medical and health sciences.
Accomplishments and Alumni
JCU is continually making ground-breaking advances in research through their award-winning research centres and institutes. These include The Science Place, our stunning teaching and research facility that was awarded a prestigious LEED Gold rating for its environmentally sustainable design, The Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine (AITHM), JCU’s Dentistry teaching facilities and dental clinic, The Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct. JCU Alumni include the likes of Alex Jia (CEO of Longrich Group), Rachel Carling-Jenkins (Australian politician), David Crisafulli (Australian politician), Rose Evaster-Aderolili, (chief of the Human and Social Development Program for the UNECA) and Brentley Frazer (author).
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
SAGE is a federally funded initiative that promotes gender equality and diversity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). It is built on the concepts of the Athena SWAN Charter, a UK-based assessment and accreditation system aimed at improving gender equity policies and practices in STEMM fields. JCU is one of 45 organisations taking part in the Athena SWAN Charter's SAGE Pilot, which recognises institutional capacity to eliminate gender inequity and a demonstrated commitment to increasing women's hiring, promotion, and retention while also improving the workplace environment for people of all genders. The University enrols students from 111 countries. In 2021, JCU's student population was at 17,001, which includes 4,289 international students. The Alumni from James Cook University are employed at the likes of Queensland Health, BHP, The University of Queensland, Rio Tinto and AECOM.
