Dr Alyse Davies is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at UniSC. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, member of the Indigenous Nutrition Leadership team (Dietitian Australia) and an Accredited Sports Dietitian (Sports Dietitians Australia). She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Sydney and remains a research affiliate with the discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics in the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Dr Davies research focuses on population health (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Pacific Islanders), performance nutrition for performing artists (musical theatre and opera) and evaluation of teaching and learning in nutrition and dietetics training.
Professional Memberships
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Dietitians Australia (Indigenous Nutrition Leadership Group)
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Sports Dietitians Australia
Awards and Fellowships
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The Joan Woodhill Prize for Excellence in Research – Doctorate Prize (Dietitians Australia), 2022
Professional Social Media
Potential Research Projects for HDR and Honours Students
- Strait from the Heart: Improving cardiovascular disease risk factors for First Nations people and communities through diet and physical activity. Funding Body - Heart Foundation. Start Date: January 2026.
Research Grants
Grant/project name | Investigators | Funding body and value | Year(s) | Focus of research grant |
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Heart Foundation First Nations CVD Grant | A Davies (lead), B Porykali, M Dickson, R Smallwood, N Burgess, M Ahmadi, J Chen, A Rangan, M Allman-Farinelli, J Gifford, J Gwynn, K Owen, M Kaur | A$362,100 | 2025-2029 | Strait from the Heart: Improving cardiovascular disease risk factors for First Nations people and communities through diet and physical activity |
One Sydney Many People | J Dougherty (lead), A Amorin, J Blackford, E Bourne, J Brentnall, M Brunner, C Darwell, A Davies, J Fleeton, Y Jimenez, M Nicholson, T Pearce. | A$80,000 | 2024 | Improving Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) Student Cultural Capability: Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scenarios into the FMH Simulation Curriculum |
MRFF | J Coombes (lead), B Porykali, C Ryder, H Williams, C Davies, K Yakubu, A Davies | A$1,000,000 | 2024-2027 | Dancing for Health: Empowering First Nations Children in Australia to Overcome Intractable Health Challenges through Indigenous Dance |
Rapid review brokered by the Sax Institute for Aboriginal Affairs New South Wales | A Davies (lead), J Gwynn, V Flood, M Allman-Farinelli, M Dickson, N Turner, M Lock. | A$30,000 | 2022 | Evidence for improving food security in Aboriginal communities in NSW |
Research areas
- Investigating the diets, energy status and nutritional knowledge of performing artists
- Implementation and evaluation of health and nutrition programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Pacific Islanders
- Evaluation of curriculum design, teaching practices and assessment of competency in nutrition and dietetics training
Teaching areas
Dr Alyse Davies' specialist areas of knowledge are population health, public health, sports nutrition
In the news
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How Tropical Cyclone Alfred is likely to affect the SEQ coast
3 MarAs South East Queensland prepares for a possible first cyclone landfall in 50 years, two University of the Sunshine Coast researchers provide expertise on the coastal damage it could cause and how satellites are tracking it
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Meet the bettong: Australia’s tiny, hopping gardeners
27 FebOne of Australia’s best kept secrets and most underrated eco-warriors is the native bettong – these pint-sized marsupials are cryptic in nature and have a knack for keeping the country’s ecosystems thriving
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Research finds surprising prevalence of sudden delirium in older patients
26 FebOlder people are at far greater risk of experiencing the debilitating symptoms of delirium during a hospital stay than previously known, according to research led by UniSC’s new Professor of Healthy Ageing
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UniSC helps pioneer wild new shark breeding technique
25 FebIn a bid to save a species globally, a world-first method of extracting semen from male leopard sharks in the wild has been pioneered by researchers led by Dr Christine Dudgeon off South East Queensland
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UniSC educators honoured with national award
25 FebAssociate Professor Nicole Masters and Associate Lecturer Victoria Hinkley have been celebrated by the Australian Awards for University Teaching, for their ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
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Hot crocs: Keeping cool getting harder in a warming world
13 FebThe average body temperature of saltwater crocodiles throughout Far North Queensland has risen steadily over the past 15 years, with the peaks aligning with heatwaves during El Niño events, co-writes UniSC animal ecologist Dr Ross Dwyer for The Conversation
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Safety at risk as people cling to five comforting AI myths
12 FebDisregard for AI safety concerns among governments and the public rests on a handful of comforting myths about AI that are no longer true – if they ever were, says UniSC Professor Paul Salmon
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Sexual assault sentencing doesn't meet community expectations: UniSC research
11 FebQueensland’s rape and sexual assault sentencing practices do not align with community expectations nor address the needs of victim-survivors, according to a report informed by University of the Sunshine Coast research
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The Huntsman spider – our hidden and hairy heroes
10 FebWith eight very long legs, the ability to dart like lightning, and the name “hunts man”, it’s no wonder this iconic Australian arachnid is as feared as it is well-known
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Braedan Jason's sounds of success – from the global stage to local radio
10 FebWhen Braedan Jason puts his mind to it, he is unstoppable – a trait that has earnt him places competing on the world stage and is now seeing him carve out a career for himself in radio
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From pets to pests – understanding Australian cockroaches
7 FebCockroaches are essential to the Australian outdoors, playing crucial roles as decomposers and being a key food source for other animals – but they can also be unwanted guests in our homes
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A journey driven by curiosity and impact
7 FebLittle did Dr Rachael Sharman know, when she started working on her Honours project as a student, it would spark a career-defining journey into the world of academia
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New student clinic to offer free dietary advice in Moreton Bay
5 FebPeople in the Moreton Bay region aiming to improve their health or sports performance can gain individualised dietary advice based on latest evidence when a new clinic opens at UniSC Moreton Bay
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Homeowners across state urged to 'mitigate risk now' as insurers gauge flood impacts
4 FebAs insurance firms assess the impacts of the North Queensland floods, UniSC business experts warn of flow-on financial effects across the state - and explain how homeowners can mitigate the risks
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Learning lessons from the environment
4 FebBrendon Munge has dedicated his life to outdoor environmental studies.
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Low doses of oral ketamine can treat PTSD: UniSC study
30 JanA new UniSC study has found small amounts of liquid ketamine administered in a clinical setting can significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, with fewer side effects.
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A brief background to National Apology Day
30 JanThe National Apology happened less than two decades ago but already the events surrounding this moment of modern history seem to be slipping from our collective memory.
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How to create healthy habits that stick
28 JanIf you’re like the 8 in 10 people who don’t achieve their New Year resolutions, don't worry – what if your motivation isn't the problem and with a little help from neuroscience you could achieve your goals?
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‘Sound the alarm’, as President Trump makes draft of controversial orders
22 JanDonald Trump’s first day in office should send alarm bells across the world, warns international relations expert Dr Shannon Brincat, while UniSC Associate Professor in Communications Gail Crimmins says President Trump’s assertion that there are only two genders is scientifically inaccurate
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What to expect as Donald Trump heads back to the White House
20 JanGet ready for tense, unpredictable times across the globe as President-elect Donald Trump makes his triumphant return to the White House, says University of the Sunshine Coast international relations expert Dr Shannon Brincat
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Expert comment: What comes next after US TikTok ban?
17 JanWith America’s TikTok ban coming into effect on January 19, UniSC social media expert Dr Karen Sutherland is available to discuss what this means for the social media landscape as a whole – and whether Australia could follow suit
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UniSC students set for life-changing overseas study experience
17 JanFrom studying surfing in Vanuatu to advanced engineering in Hong Kong, a group of University of the Sunshine Coast high achievers will add an immersive global dimension to their studies and future careers after being named New Colombo Plan Scholars
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Paralympian strokes toward success in sport and study
16 JanAfter the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Emily Beecroft made a major life decision that would ultimately result in her kicking bigger goals in her sporting and academic life
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Growth, global partnerships and flexible learning options: UniSC unveils future plans
15 JanUniSC has unveiled an ambitious future, focusing on a transformative student experience and enrolment growth
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Rachel sets sights on new career goal
15 JanWhen one career path led Rachel to a place she didn't want to be, she left to find another path that would leave her more fulfilled.
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UniSC Professor to lead International Energy Agency program
10 JanThe UniSC’s Professor Mark Brown is leading the global development of the bioenergy industry as the newly appointed Chair of the International Energy Agency Bioenergy program
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Fulbright study: Can US offer solutions to reduce youth crime and reoffending in Australia?
9 JanUniSC researcher Dimitra Lattas has been awarded a prestigious US Fulbright Scholarship to research forensic social work education and training, including identifying factors that lead to young criminal behaviour, and interventions to reduce re-offending
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Pixar perfect: the UniSC Arts grad behind the scenes of the world’s biggest animated films
8 JanUniSC Arts graduate Lucy Laliberte has worked her way up in the Californian movie industry to her current role as feature film production manager at Pixar
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I’m a skin cancer researcher living on the Sunshine Coast - here’s how I’m enjoying the summer sun
6 JanWhat does skin cancer look like and how can we all check for skin cancer this summer?
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What we know about the Commonwealth Prac Payment
3 JanEverything you need to know about the Commonwealth Prac Payment for nursing, midwifery, social work and teaching degree students
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From garlic to parsley, new research reveals the herbs and spices Australians love most
2 JanA large systematic review of studies has shown eating herbs and spices daily can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke
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Women love playing sport – and writing about it
2 JanHere are six fascinating and surprising sports books by women
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From the Big Bogan to Larry the Lobster: Why do towns build Big Things?
2 JanDespite challenges and debates over heritage conservation, construction of giant landmarks across Australia has not slowed, writes Dr Amy Clarke for The Conversation
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New study to improve diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease
23 Dec 2024A UniSC research team has received a prestigious $921,000 national grant for a $1.5 million project that aims to more effectively diagnose and treat infections associated with an incurable lung disease
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Child sexual abuse by women is on the rise
23 Dec 2024Sexual offending perpetrated by females is probably much more common than people think. In Australia, we have seen an almost 208% increase in the number of women in the criminal justice system for sexual offences from 2008 to 2023
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Cooked chook spoilage and backyard cricket: UniSC experts answer seasonal questions
20 Dec 2024UniSC experts will be on hand to field a few of our more pressing questions and are available for media queries over the break
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UniSC announces plans for Sunshine Coast medical program
18 Dec 2024The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has today announced plans to offer the Sunshine Coast’s first fully local medical program, set to start teaching students from 2030 or earlier
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Your lifestyle choices are already showing up on your brain and could be prematurely ageing it, study finds
17 Dec 2024New research from UnSC’s Thompson Institute has found a relationship between lifestyle choices that affect dementia risk, and early signs of ageing on the brain
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Research to find ‘missing link’ in home tech for people with disabilities
16 Dec 2024An innovative UniSC study aims to find the “missing link” in home-based smart technologies to enable people with spinal cord and brain injuries to live more independently
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Where do manta rays go, and other marine life riddles researchers need help to unravel
12 Dec 2024This summer, beach goers, boaties and scuba divers are being asked to help solve the mystery of how manta rays spend their days, join a search for leopard sharks and become ‘dolphin spotters’
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Amplifying her voice to protect the planet
11 Dec 2024As newly crowned Miss Earth, Jessica Lane has found the global platform she’s been searching for – one the UniSC Journalism student is determined to use to convince others to join her mission for a sustainable future.
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National awards showcase UniSC’s Social Work excellence
11 Dec 2024UniSC has been awarded three national Social Work awards recognising excellence in research and learning that addresses some of society’s most pressing issues
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UniSC scientists named STEM superstars
11 Dec 2024A love of science has led two researchers from UniSC down two very different career paths – but today they share the same national honour
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How pop-up warnings and chatbots could disrupt online child sex abusers
6 Dec 2024A UniSC Sexual Violence and Prevention Unit study finds messages and chatbots can be effective at stopping people from continuing to search for child sexual abuse materials
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Study reveals trend of young women committing online sexual offences
6 Dec 2024UniSC researchers find young women are 20 times more likely than both adult women and adult males, and nearly eight times more likely than young males of perpetrating an assaultive child sexual abuse material offence
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Global study identifies hidden genetic cause of intellectual disability
5 Dec 2024A global research collaboration has revealed a hidden cause of a rare intellectual disorder associated with severe language delay, epileptic seizures, motor impairment and brain abnormalities
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Dolphins NRL and UniSC to keep scoring shared goals
4 Dec 2024UniSC and National Rugby League’s newest team the Dolphins, are now looking to the future, after re-signing an exclusive education sponsorship partnership for another two years
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Paradise found
4 Dec 2024Do you dream of living in an idyllic location? Want to study amidst immense biodiversity Harbour ambitions of learning from some of the best in the business, and making a global impact?
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Out of the mines and into the mind
3 Dec 2024After more than a decade as a FIFO worker in the coal and gas industries, Luke Costello realised he could – and would – completely change his life’s direction.
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How a tragic moment made a positive impact on Elizabeth's life
3 Dec 2024When Elizabeth Schahinger saw the impact occupational therapists had on her nephew, it put her on a path that would change her life – despite having to overcome some massive learning challenges along the way
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Great teaching, happy students put UniSC among Australia’s top-ranked universities
2 Dec 2024The University of the Sunshine Coast offers one of the best overall educational experiences in the nation, according to the latest annual Good Universities Guide
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Social media ban for U16s: UniSC experts comment
1 Dec 2024UniSC experts comment on Australia's social media ban for under 16s, with the law set to come into force in a year's time
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Preparing for a heating future in the Sunshine State
29 Nov 2024When you think Queensland, you think heat.
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From Varroa mites to brain receptors, key UniSC research projects receive ARC funding
29 Nov 2024Almost $2.2 million in funding from the Australian Research Council has been awarded to UniSC to investigate new ways to kill Varroa mites without harming honeybees, develop pheromone traps for parasitic worms and gain novel insights into vital brain receptors
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Disinformation and deepfakes played a part in the US election. Australia should expect the same
28 Nov 2024As America takes stock after Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, it’s worth highlighting the AI-generated fake photos, videos and audio shared during the campaign.
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Two UniSC researchers named country’s best in field
27 Nov 2024Two UniSC researchers named Australian leaders in their fields are respectively working to create safe, ethical and beneficial Artificial Intelligence (AI) and help business managers learn from the COVID-19 pandemic
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Golf scientist and food system researcher named UniSC outstanding alumni 2024
27 Nov 2024A sport scientist who mentored Olympic and professional golfers and a food system researcher who leads a team of 110 in sustainable agriculture at the CSIRO are UniSC’s two Outstanding Alumni for 2024
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Design students fast-tracked into $80 billion industry via on-campus studio
26 Nov 2024A global virtual reality design studio based on-campus at the UniSC is now fast-tracking students into an $80 billion industry
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Neuroscience the next layer on Bec’s musical, media career
25 Nov 2024Bec Brown lost a close friend to suicide when he was in his 20s – a tragedy that has in part led to learn more about mental health and neuroscience to help others who may be suffering
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Teachers who go rural and the partners who pave the way
25 Nov 2024When philanthropic partners support new teachers to have remote experiences, the result – for everyone – can be a match made in heaven.
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Another high-cost holiday season ahead – tourism expert
25 Nov 2024Low competition, a shortage of aerospace engineers and increasing weather-related flight disruption are all contributing to another pricey peak flying season, says UniSC tourism expert Dr Aaron Tham
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Everyone should have access to safe air indoors: Infection prevention expert responds to report
21 Nov 2024People spend 90% of their time indoors, so it’s vital that we ensure everyone is breathing safe air there, says University of the Sunshine Coast infection prevention and control expert Dr Matt Mason
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UniSC awarded $1.7M for rainforest laser network
20 Nov 2024UniSC has secured more than $1.7 million to deploy a network of state-of-the-art lasers to scan, measure and 3D map Australia’s rainforests
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Growth of UniSC graduates at Growth Huntr
20 Nov 2024Liv had only been working at Growth Huntr for a couple years before she was running her first meeting with corporate clients – a feat she partly attributes to the underlying skills she learned while studying at UniSC
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Walking past the pain
20 Nov 2024How UniSC researchers are working with patients to find a solution for a painful leg condition.
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Five things every teacher should know
19 Nov 2024Veteran teachers know there is much more to teaching than just the curriculum.
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Why it’s better to let your child take 10 minutes to put their own shoes on
19 Nov 2024Dr Cynthia Hicban is not really advocating tardiness en masse in schools, but the UniSC Education academic made some surprising – and encouraging – discoveries as she researched how children under six interact with others in an early childhood setting
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With its 10th coach in a decade, is Manchester United trapped in a ‘fixes that fail’ cycle?
19 Nov 2024Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Rúben Amorim, their tenth permanent or interim head coach since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
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Fantasy, Sexual Violence & the Cognitive Intervention
15 Nov 2024Sexual fantasies are a hot ticket in pop culture.
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Breaking the tradition
15 Nov 2024A first-world country with a disgraceful domestic and family violence problem.
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UniSC’s Business school named in nation’s top two for Teaching
15 Nov 2024A commitment to high-quality teaching has secured the University of the Sunshine Coast a top national spot in the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools list.
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Perspectives on gender equity
13 Nov 2024Each year, on the 8th of March, we celebrate International Women’s Day.
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How a hometown earthquake changed the future for global banker
13 Nov 2024As his hometown crumbled in the wake of one of the most destructive earthquakes in living memory, Richard MacGeorge made a major life decision.
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Answering the call
13 Nov 2024What drives a husband and wife to take on a massive life change together with the aim of becoming nurses in rural and remote communities?
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New UniSC degree to deliver more midwives
13 Nov 2024A new UniSC degree aims to fast-track registered nurses into midwifery careers to target a state and global workforce shortage of maternity care professionals
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Smiling for no reason…except a secure future
12 Nov 2024Life can change in a flash.
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Biosphere adventurers
12 Nov 2024Five intrepid young travellers learn biospheres are full of adventures and awe in a one-of-a-kind educational experience in some of the most beautiful – and ecologically important – landscapes in the world
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Scratching the itch
12 Nov 2024It starts as an itch.
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Turtle lifeline
12 Nov 2024Starving and battling a mystery 'soft shell' syndrome, endangered marine turtles in Queensland’s Fraser Coast region are in a tough fight for survival
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Humanoid's Robotic Helpers
11 Nov 2024In recognition of National Science Week, we asked three of our experts to weigh in on the practical uses of robots and what the future of AI might look like
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Custodian of an ancient language awarded Honorary Doctorate
11 Nov 2024Aunty Joyce Bonner was in her early twenties before she heard her the most beautiful sound - her mother singing in Butchulla (Badjala) language.
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How Emily was sold on a dream job at the Dolphins NRL
7 Nov 2024Emily Hill never expected to be working in a job she'd dreamed about with the Dolphins NRL team before she even finished her degree.
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Civil Engineering student wins national award after water meter study
6 Nov 2024A University of the Sunshine Coast Civil Engineering student whose thesis is focused on the data garnered from digital water meters has taken out the Michael Woodhouse Engineers Australia undergraduate award
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A newsroom dream to courtroom reality – how Bridie became a rising star in the legal profession
6 Nov 2024Bridie Edwards always wanted to be a TV journalist – until a little encouragement from a high school teacher changed the trajectory of her life forever, setting her on a path to become one of the rising stars in Australia's legal profession
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Experts available: What to expect from the 2024 US Election
6 Nov 2024As the drama-filled United States election campaign draws to a close, UniSC academics are available to share their insights on what is shaping up to be one of the most significant verdicts in American history
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Exploring the evolving communication landscape
6 Nov 2024The way we communicate is changing faster than you can say "emoji is the modern hieroglyph." The good news for communication grads? Exciting job prospects are emerging as a result
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UniSC nuclear scientist wins award for car industry research
6 Nov 2024UniSC researcher Dr Rezwanul Haque has received a national Young Scientist Award for his research using nuclear technology to find cracks and signs of stress in riveted joints in sheet metal in car bodies
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Flying the flag for Indigenous Peoples on a global stage; a UniSC student’s journey to the UN
6 Nov 2024Stepping into the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York City for the first time was a “surreal moment and feeling” UniSC student Jerome Wano will never forget
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The UN warns famine is likely in Gaza. What do malnutrition and hunger do to the body?
4 Nov 2024UniSC Lecturer in Nutrition & Dietetics, Clare Dix discusses the impacts of malnutrition and consequences of hunger and food insecurity in the Gaza region
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Satisfied students give UniSC top ranking once again
4 Nov 2024For the third year in a row, the University of the Sunshine Coast has been ranked Queensland’s best public university for the overall quality of its educational experience for undergraduate students
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Why modern humans are the ideal size for speed
1 Nov 2024What do speedy creatures have in common? UniSC researchers have taken a key step towards solving this mystery by using a scaleable, virtual model of the human body, to find out what limits speed, and gain important insights into the evolution of the human form over thousands of years.
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Strong Walk
30 Oct 2024A new program is helping Indigenous high school students find self-belief through their culture – and use it as their driving force to aim high when it comes to education and careers
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UniSC welcomes inaugural students at Adelaide campus opening
30 Oct 2024The University of the Sunshine Coast has officially opened its new Adelaide campus, welcoming the inaugural cohort of 70 students for orientation
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Health expert welcomes key recommendations in COVID-19 response report
29 Oct 2024University of the Sunshine Coast health academic Dr Matthew Mason has welcomed key elements of the Australian Government's report on the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, released today
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Clinical trial aims to reduce agitation in people with dementia
25 Oct 2024University of the Sunshine Coast Clinical Trials will assess the effectiveness of a twice-a-day capsule to reduce agitation in people with dementia
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Nurturing great ideas: UniSC makes way for a new wave of innovation
24 Oct 2024The University of the Sunshine Coast’s focus on nurturing and guiding forward-thinking ideas, productivity and potential across its communities has been strengthened through the launch of UniSC Innovation
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Israel’s actions in Gaza, backed by the US, are shaking the world order to its core
23 Oct 2024While the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could have provided an off-ramp for the conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing vows of “total victory” make this seem unlikely
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How a man in a monkey cage decided to save the planet...one tree at a time
22 Oct 2024Andy Marshall’s renowned research goes to the root of conservation science – the health or otherwise of the 73,000 tree species growing on our planet, releasing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, helping people, animals and the atmosphere breathe easier
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Building airstrips in Antarctica from a freezer in Queensland
21 Oct 2024How two engineers from the University of the Sunshine Coast are taking on "one of the last great polar logistical problems"