James Cook University (Australia)
James Cook University (JCU) is a world-class institution ranked among the top 2% of universities globally and recognised as a leader in STEM education and research. Established in 1970, JCU is Australia’s only university dedicated to focusing on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide. Its mission is to create a better future through education and research that delivers real-world impact. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in the country, JCU has the highest proportion of students from regional and remote areas, the second-highest proportion of Indigenous students nationally, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.
In 2025-2026, the Eurofins Foundation is supporting JCU’s STEM Equity Bursaries programme. This initiative provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). These fields are critical to addressing global challenges such as public health, environmental sustainability, and food security.
The project was launched to tackle the significant shortage of STEM skills in Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas. Indigenous Australians and students from low socio-economic backgrounds remain severely underrepresented in STEM education and careers. Financial hardship is a major barrier, with one in five students deferring or abandoning their studies each year due to economic pressures. By offering targeted bursaries, JCU aims to remove these barriers, enabling talented students to access higher education and contribute to essential sectors such as disease detection, ecosystem protection, and sustainable technology development.
The Eurofins Foundation will provide ten single-year equity bursaries to students enrolled in STEM-related degrees, including science, biomedical science, environmental management, marine science, veterinary science, engineering and information technology. The bursaries will be aimed at equity groups including Indigenous Australians, students from rural, regional, and remote areas, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and first-in-family university students, to help with essential study costs.
This project contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
