The FINstitute

12/10/2026

We are so excited to announce this fieldtrip opportunity to learn different eDNA sampling methods, skills, and contribute to ongoing research with the non-profit Ozfish 🐠

Find more information in the application form in our bio 🔗🏕️

03/10/2026

🌊 Want to make an impact? We’re looking for one JCU FINstitute member to become a mentor! 🦈

The FINstitute JCU is partnering with the Beyond ATSIMS Program to support a First Nations high school student interested in exploring university pathways into science careers.

The October placement runs 12–17 October, with opportunities to connect, share experiences and be a point of reference throughout the week. 💙

📅 Apply by 7 October
🔗 Application form available via the link in our bio.

Could it be you? 👀✨

26/09/2026

Our next meeting is nearly here…!

Monday 28 | 5:15 PM | Building 506-117

You might know him from Netflix’s All the Sharks as part of Team Shark Docs… we’re kicking off the talks with the amazing Dr. Chris Malinowski! 🦈

We’ll then be joined by Tina Corradi, who’ll be leading an interactive R workshop and teaching us how to make the most of citizen science data! So, remember to bring your laptop if you want to follow along with the workshop!

Plus, if you stay until the end, we have a very fun special announcement 👀

And, as always, there’ll be plenty of snacks…
See you there!

📸 Cover Photo: Noemi Merz / Ocean Image Bank

23/09/2026

Here they are… your 2027 JCU FINstitute Executive Team!!! 🥳

Huge congratulations to our new team! We can’t wait to see what you all bring to FINstitute and what you get up to next year 🦈

A massive thank you to everyone who put themselves forward for a position... we’re so grateful for the time, effort and enthusiasm you brought.

And of course, thank you to everyone who came along to support their friends, get involved in the voting and help make our AGM such a great night!

Welcome to the team, 2027 JCU Execs!

22/09/2026

What an awesome way to kick off Tri 3! 🦈

Last week, we held our first meeting of the trimester and it was a good one!

We kicked things off with our incredible VP Chloe, who gave us the lowdown on all things FINstitute who we are, what we do, and what we have in store for the trimester...

We then had the pleasure of hearing from Kori Burkhardt, co-founder of the Ma’o Mana Foundation, who shared all about Project Parata and the incredible oceanic whitetip shark 🦈🌊

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a great night!

Can’t wait to see you at the next one!

18/09/2026

CURRENT MOOD: FINfest 🌊

This is what our last science fair looked like… and tomorrow we’re doing it again but this time, we’re taking it off campus and opening the doors to everyone!

Come say hi 🐋

Saturday 19 September
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Riverside Gardens Community Centre, Townsville

17/09/2026

Want to join our JCU team next year? Register your interest and prepare a cheeky little 1-2 min speech for our AGM on Monday and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

As always, feel free to DM us with any questions. Link to the form is in our bio we can’t wait to meet exec 2027!!!

🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈

15/09/2026

12/09/2026

FIRST MEETING OF TRI 3!!! 🦈

That’s right, we are back…
Monday 14 | 5:15 PM

For those familiar faces, heads up… we’ve got a change in our meeting spot this week! You’ll find us at:

The Science Place (Building 142), Room 111… the big lecture hall!

We’ve got a jam-packed meeting planned, including an intro to the FINstitute, an incredible talk from Kori Burkhardt, co-founder of the Ma’o Mana Foundation, and a FINfest rundown!

Whether you’re already part of the FINstitute crew or completely new, we would love to see you there… everyone is welcome! 💙

And, as always, snacks will be provided… See you there!

To stay up to date with meetings, events and all things FINstitute, check out our website and sign up for our newsletter.

📸 Cover Photo: Sofia Viegas | Ocean Photographer

11/09/2026

📢 CALL FOR POSTERS!

Got marine research you’re passionate about? We want to see it at FINfest!

We’re looking for poster presenters across ALL study levels & career stages, with ANY marine-related topic welcome. Your research can be finished, in progress, or somewhere in between!

Need it printed? We’ve got you covered!
A limited number of free poster prints are available for presenters.

Already have a poster? Bring it along! Just submit the form to let us know you’d like to present.

You’ll need to be at FINfest to chat with visitors about your work, but you don’t need to be there all day… we’ll work out timings with you!

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 15 SEPTEMBER!
Apply via the link in our bio

Poster spaces & free printing are limited. Submitting an application does not guarantee a poster space or free printing.

📢 CALL FOR POSTERS!

Got marine research you’re passionate about? We want to see it at FINfest!

We’re looking for poster presenters across ALL study levels & career stages, with ANY marine-related topic welcome. Your research can be finished, in progress, or somewhere in between!

Need it printed? We’ve got you covered!
A limited number of free poster prints are available for presenters.

Already have a poster? Bring it along! Just submit the form to let us know you’d like to present.

You’ll need to be at FINfest to chat with visitors about your work, but you don’t need to be there all day… we’ll work out timings with you!

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 15 SEPTEMBER!
Apply via the link in our bio

Poster spaces & free printing are limited. Submitting an application does not guarantee a poster space or free printing.

NO RESEARCH TO PRESENT?
BUT STILL WANT IN ON THE FREEBIES? 🦈

If you are joining us for the day, let us know you’re coming, & you could be in with a chance to WIN 1 of 2 prizes!

Scan the QR code or find the link in our bio.

Prizes drawn at 11 AM. Winners must be present to claim their prize.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🐋