AITHM James Cook University

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01 July 2021

The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine at James Cook University is developing lifesaving therapeutics, protecting Australia’s borders from the risk of disease spread, and improving healthcare delivery for those living in the Tropics.

The Institute is strategically positioned, and holds close ties with clinical partners to undertake translational research that addresses key health issues affecting people who live in the Tropics.

According to the State of the Tropics report around 40% of the world’s population live in the tropics, and not only is its population growing rapidly, it is becoming increasingly affluent.

The health of Australia’s borders and throughout tropical regions into the Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea is a major focus of research at the AITHM, as well as delivering novel diagnostic tools, and advising policy on the unique health issues faced in the Tropics.

AITHM Director Distinguished Professor Louis Schofield is an internationally-recognised authority in the immunology and pathogenesis of infectious diseases.

He said the Institute’s state-of-the-art laboratories on JCU campuses in Townsville, Cairns and Thursday Island, supports 120 specialist health and medical research staff, and more than 600 professional health and medical research members.

“We are Australia’s only dedicated tropical health and medical research institute focused on solving problems of importance to the Tropics, and our research teams and members are leaders in the development of diagnostics and innovations in health systems,” Prof Schofield said.

“Our facilities are second-to-none, and our Physical Containment Level 3 (PC3) Laboratory in Townsville, is rated the best of its kind in Australia by the nation’s regulatory authority; the Office of the Technology Gene Regulator.

“Our research aims to deliver positive real-world social and economic impact that benefits those who live and work in the Tropics.

“We are focused on delivering research outcomes that improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes for the communities of Northern Australia and our neighbouring tropical nations.”

“Our members and staff are focused on delivering research outcomes that improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes for the communities of Northern Australia and our neighbouring tropical nations.”

JCU and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine are part of a global alliance of institutions working towards a brighter future for the Tropics.

AITHM member Dr Samantha Lobbo of the North Queensland Primary Health Network 

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