Our Mission: Improving tropical futures through research that has impact for people, environments & economies.

James Cook University (JCU) is the only Australian University with a fully-owned campus in Singapore. It is also the only University with a complete teaching and research portfolio, including approval to deliver higher-degree by research training (i.e. PhD, MPhil).

Given that research is a core component of the University, JCU has established the Tropical Futures Institute as a not-for-profit institute to leverage off our research capability and strength and that creates substantive value-add to the research ecosystems of Singapore and the ASEAN region. Accordingly, the Tropical Futures Institute is the first research institute established by an Australian university in Singapore and the opening was graced by the Chancellor Mr. Bill Tweddell, Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University Professor Sandra Harding and The Honourable Karen Andrews MP Australian Minister for Industry, Science and Technology on the 26th September, 2018.

The Tropical Futures Institute will deliver world class research in science, health and social sciences. Three pillars have been established to address local and regionally identified needs:

Pillar 1: Sustainable production of aquaculture species in the tropics through innovative genetic, nutritional and aquatic animal health research and training

Pillar 2: Health Sciences & Wellbeing brings established excellence in biomedical sciences, public and mental health and consolidates an active interdisciplinary research community to foster research on the multiple aspects of health in the tropics.