Long believed to be a single, globally distributed species drifting freely across the open ocean, the bluebottle – also known as the Portuguese man o’ war – has now been revealed to be a group of at least four distinct species, each with its own unique morphology, genetics, and distribution.
An international research team led by scientists at Yale University, and Australian researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Griffith University, uncovered this surprising biodiversity by sequencing the genomes of 151 Physalia specimens from around the world.
Professor Kylie Pitt.
The study, published in Current Biology, found strong evidence of reproductive isolation among five genetic lineages, challenging the long-held assumption that the open ocean supported single, well-mixed populations.
“We were shocked, because we assumed they were all the same species,” Griffith’s Professor Kylie Pitt said.
“But the genetic data clearly show they’re not only different, they’re not even interbreeding despite overlapping ranges.”
The bluebottle is uniquely suited to long-distance travel, using its gas-filled float and muscular crest to catch the wind and sail the sea surface.
Using an integrative approach, the team matched genomic lineages with four distinct physical forms identified from thousands of citizen-science images submitted to iNaturalist.org.
These morphologies – originally proposed as separate species in the 18th and 19th centuries but later dismissed – have now been verified by modern genomic evidence.
The study describes Physalia physalis, P. utriculus, and P. megalista, alongside a newly identified species, Physalia minuta, found near New Zealand and Australia.
Each species is further subdivided into genetically distinct subpopulations shaped by regional winds and ocean currents, according to advanced ocean circulation modelling.
“There’s this idea the open oceans are all connected, and it’s just one species of bluebottle and they’re all globally connected because they drift with the wind and the current – but that’s absolutely not the case.”
Professor Kylie Pitt
“And what’s really interesting in Eastern Australia is that we have multiple species that have evolved despite potentially co-existing.
The study found four distinct bluebottle species after a global analysis.
“So why is it that they developed into separate species when you think they’ll all be in the same environment, mixing up together? What was the selection pressure that led to the differentiation of the species?”
The researchers said future investigations into the physical, environmental, and biological processes that generated and maintained this genetic variation would be crucial in recalibrating science’s expectations towards open-ocean biodiversity.
In 2022, UNSW were awarded an Australian Research Council Linkage grant for the project ‘Bluebottle dynamics: towards a prediction tool for Surf Life Saving Australia’, which will develop a forecasting method to prevent bluebottle stings, in partnership with Griffith University, Seatech (University of Toulon, France), the Bureau of Meteorology, Surf Life Saving Australia and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
A new report released by the Griffith Asia Institute offers practical guidance for accelerating Asia’s shift to clean energy by improving collaboration between Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and their Asian partners. The report—Green Independent Power Producers in Asia: A Practical Guide for Negotiations and Agreements between Chinese and International Partners—provides a roadmap to overcome long-standing barriers to scaling renewable energy projects in the region.
Co-authored by Christoph Nedopil, Fabby Tumiwa, Mustafa Sayed, Muhammad Aulia Anis, Rika Isnarti, and Umar Farooq, the report identifies key strategies for delivering bankable, socially responsible, and technically sound solar, wind, and hydro power projects. It focuses particularly on practical steps across the full lifecycle of IPP development—from tenders and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to construction and long-term operations.
“Independent Power Producers are absolutely essential to meeting Asia’s energy and climate goals, but the way we develop, finance and manage these projects needs to improve—especially in collaboration with Chinese developers,” said Dr. Christoph Nedopil, one of the lead authors and Director of the Asia Institute at Griffith University.
“This guide aims to reduce costly misunderstandings and help both sponsors and off-takers build trust and deliver reliable, clean power.”
The report highlights that while electricity generation across emerging Asian economies has nearly quadrupled since 2000, much of that growth has come from coal. Renewable energy development still lags behind national targets—particularly due to regulatory risks, payment delays, grid constraints, and environmental and social opposition.
Professor Christoph Nedopil
Drawing on interviews with over 40 experts across 10 countries, the guide offers tailored advice for Chinese IPP sponsors to better navigate local legal frameworks, labour issues, and foreign exchange risk. For Asian utilities and policymakers, it recommends improved transparency in tenders, more bankable PPAs, and faster permitting and grid readiness.
With China playing an increasingly central role in financing and delivering large-scale infrastructure in Asia, the report urges stronger partnerships based on mutual understanding, fair risk-sharing, and local engagement.
“This isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s about creating trust and long-term value in one of the world’s most important energy markets,” said Nedopil.
“Getting it right could unlock billions in clean energy investment and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”
The report is available online and intended for policymakers, utilities, investors, and IPP developers working to deliver Asia’s energy transition.
Griffith University has again been named a Gold Tier employer in the 2025 Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI) LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards for the second year in a row.
AWEI is the internationally recognised instrument which provides a framework for organisations to benchmark their inclusive policies and practices.
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans.
The awards celebrated organisations which made workplaces inclusive and equitable for LGBTQ+ people.
Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, said the achievement reflected Griffith’s ambitious goals within the strategic plan.
“We are delighted to be recognised again as an AWEI Gold Employer in the Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards, 2025,” Professor Evans said.
“Our achievements and ambitions in LGBTQ+ inclusion are a true reflection of the four pillars in Griffith’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan – Purpose and Values, People, Partnership and Impact, Place and Community, and our values-led attributes of excellence, reciprocity, inclusion, integrity, and innovation.
“Our accomplishments in LGBTQ+ inclusion are a result of ongoing, dedicated work by the Griffith community, which included the Griffith Pride Committee members led by Dr Andrew Rayfield (Chair) and Dr Alison Wright (Deputy Chair), Griffith Allies, Griffith’s Executive Group, staff, students and alumni.”
Senior Lead (Inclusion and Development) Marnie King said Griffith’s Gold Tier status was a result of a deep commitment to inclusion.
“As we celebrate our 50th year, we have a powerful opportunity not only to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to envision how we can shape an even brighter future for all,” Ms King said.
“We remain deeply committed to embedding LGBTQ+ inclusion as a vital part of Griffith’s ongoing strategic success.”
Griffith University has jumped 20 places to be first in Queensland, equal second nationally, and equal fourth globally for its performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025.
Griffith placed first in Australia for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 14 Life Below Water, and SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
The 17 UN SDGs provide a framework for tackling climate change, providing health and education for all, eradicating inequality and oppression, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said the SDGs provided a universal framework to guide our actions across the university.
“At Griffith, we’re led by our values and prioritise innovation and social impact in our teaching and research, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice,” Professor Boddy said.
“Globally, it’s heartening to see fellow institutions on the same path and see how they continue to focus on some of society’s greatest challenges.
“Thank you to all staff and students who have supported social, environmental, and economic sustainability initiatives and research at Griffith.
“I hope our work inspires the collaborative efforts we need for a sustainable future for all.”
For the past 50 years, Griffith has been a university driven by purpose.
Griffith’s new strategic plan, Creating a Brighter Future For all 2025-2030, is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Goals, and articulates our commitment to focusing on values-informed challenges – Indigenous flourishing, sustainability, health equity, inclusive societies, and ethical technology – to guide research, education, and decision-making.
Griffith University also placed:
3rd for SDG 15 – Life on Land
9th for SDG 5 – Gender Equality
13th for SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
20th for SDG 13 – Climate Action
21st for SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
45TH for SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
69th for SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
The applications of Virtual Reality far exceed the gaming world as Griffith University researchers investigate its benefits for pediatric burns pain management at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Professor Bronwyn Griffin
Professor Bronwyn Griffin from Griffith’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has been testing the efficacy of Smileyscope in reducing pain and anxiety during dressing changes.
“Acute burn dressing changes can be quite painful and distressing for pediatric patients with the added issue that increased burn pain can delay wound healing and have a long-term physical and psychological impact on the patient,” Professor Griffin said.
“With this in mind, it’s imperative we look at solutions such as Smileyscope VR so as not to delay wound healing and also recognising the importance of taking a multimodal approach to pain and anxiety.
“It’s essentially a headset VR uses as a distraction technique with games or relaxation programs designed specifically for children.
“We found Smileyscope effectively reduces pain and anxiety during a dress change, and has a high satisfaction from patients, and also the parents.
“Clinicians found it easy to use, with the added benefit that some patients only required minimal analgesia while using Smileyscope with some needing no additional pain medication.”
Kristen Storey, Burns Nurse Practitioner at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, said harnessing innovation such as VR was helping ease the burden of painful treatment for children with burn injuries.
“Each year, we care for more than 1,000 children and young people with burn injuries in the Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burns Centre, and we know how distressing treatment can be, not just for the child but for their family too,” Ms Storey said.
“Virtual reality is proving to be a powerful tool in providing distraction during painful procedures.
“By immersing young patients in calming, engaging environments, VR can help reduce pain, anxiety and distress during treatment.
“We’re proud to partner with Griffith University to turn innovative research into real-world care improving the hospital experience and long-term health outcomes for children and young people.”
Smileyscope shows promise with pediatric burns pain management as a non-pharmacological approach to improving burn pain and distress.
“This can be an extremely distressing time for our patients and it’s a relief to see a simple VR headset can have such an impact during what can be a painful process,” Professor Griffin said.
“Further development is needed to enhance the fit and programme content for diverse age groups.”
The Smileyscope study was carried out in a clinical setting where the average patient was seven years of age.
Fifty per cent of the cohort had sustained contact burns and scald burns as the mechanisms of injury with superficial partial thickness burns being the most common depth of injury.
The paper ‘Acceptability and usability of Smileyscope Virtual Reality for pediatric pain management during burn procedures: Perspectives of patients, carers and clinicians’ has been published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Griffith University has joined with Paddle Australia in a four-year partnership to elevate the paddle sports ecosystem in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
Olympian and Griffith MBA student Jess Fox.
The partnership will focus on supporting, inspiring and developing all paddlers, and increasing expertise in areas such as health, wellbeing, performance, legacy, sustainability, environment and ecotourism.
Master of Business Administration student, Olympian Jessica Fox OAM OLY was Australia’s most successful paddler at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning two gold medals which brought her total Olympic medal haul to six in total.
“Paddle Australia and Griffith University teaming up is an exciting partnership for our athletes and the paddlesport community as a whole,” Ms Fox said.
“Griffith University has a fantastic high performance athlete program for those studying locally, but also via distance.
Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM OLY.
“The support has been incredible for me around my studies allowing me to train and compete.”
Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM OLY said the partnership would support all paddle athletes and paddle performance outcomes.
“This is a massive opportunity to create a whole-of-sport legacy in Australia which extends beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Griffith will work with Paddle Australia on research areas which will ultimately improve the sport of paddling and include areas such as ecotourism, legacy, sustainability, athlete health and performance research.
“The partnership is a great outcome for Griffith students, and will help to produce the future performance scientists who will work in the sporting industry moving forward.”
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane.
Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said she was excited to work strategically with Griffith to strengthen and expand the existing relationship.
“While we have been working with Griffith University for a long period of time and many of our elite athletes are already supported by the Sports College, this exciting partnership allows us to widen our scope, and explore further opportunities for our sport, our lifestyle and our people,” Ms Crane said.
“The partnership will provide opportunities for PhD students to be embedded in our programs and to explore projects beyond sport performance, including athlete and staff wellbeing.
“The work will reach across the whole-of-sport research, education, social and community impact, women’s leadership and Olympic and Paralympic Games engagement and legacy.”
The future of pediatric nursing could see digital technology play a larger role in delivering safer and more personalised care for children.
Dr Karin Plummer
Dr Karin Plummer, from Griffith University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, is researching how wearable biosensors, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and chatbot support tools can improve the care and experience of children in hospital.
“My research looks at how these technologies can reduce distress, support clinicians and parents, and ultimately, improve health outcomes for children,” Dr Plummer said.
“Technology is such a great tool in a medical setting, however, it is only useful if it actually gets used in practice.
“One of the biggest gaps I’ve identified is not about whether digital tools work, but how they’re implemented.
“In most cases, it’s simply not available at some hospitals, so my work focuses on understanding those barriers and developing practical, equitable pathways to embed these technologies into real-world care.”
The future of pediatric nursing could see more use of smart tools such as AI-powered clinical decision support, wearable sensors which provide real-time health data, and mobile platforms which support symptom tracking and communication between families and care teams.
These tools have the potential to transform care, especially for children living with complex or chronic conditions, and those in rural or regional areas.
Digital health innovations offer clear benefits of improved safety through early warning systems, reduced medication errors, streamlined workflows, and better symptom tracking.
Importantly, they also empower children and families to participate in care decisions and symptom reporting.
Dr Plummer said we should not be concerned about technology replacing humans in the industry.
“While AI is able to analyse huge amounts of data and help identify patterns which might signal a critical condition, it’s not a replacement for a nurse or doctor,” she said.
“We still need clinical judgement and human connection.”
However, digital innovations come at a cost.
Many promising tools never make it into everyday care.
“If we’re going to invest in digital health, we must make sure we’re doing so sustainably and ethically,” Dr Plummer said.
Dr Plummer’s editorial ‘Harnessing technology in pediatric nursing” Balancing innovation, equity and sustainability’ has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing.
A Griffith University agricultural scientist is helping Queensland coffee growers leap a major industry hurdle, propelling Australian coffee from commodity-grade to ‘specialty coffee’ status and boosting coffee crop valuation.
Driven by a collaborative project with industry partners under the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative, the innovation marks a turning point for Australian coffee growers, who are now able to take a front seat in a market historically dominated by roasters and importers.
Dr Fawad Ali on site in Mareeba, Queensland.
Led by Research Fellow Dr Fawad Ali from Griffith’s School of Environment and Science, the project – currently operating with growers from Tropical North Queensland’s Tablelands region – has delivered a series of innovations for implementation at a commercial scale in future which are empowering local coffee growers to command premium prices previously reserved for international competitors.
“The industry has what’s known as the ‘coffee cupping score’, which is based on flavour, aroma and aftertaste, and goes from 0 to 100,” Dr Ali said.
“Only coffees scoring 80 points or above get the ‘specialty coffee’ badge of honour.
“Through our novel fermentation techniques and optimised nitrogen inputs, we have established laboratory-based factual evidence for achieving a cupping score of more than 80, up from just 73.
“This will elevate their coffee crops from commodity status to ‘specialty coffee’ status and now allows Queensland coffee growers to command significantly higher prices in premium markets.”
Dr Fawad Ali
Dr Ali is leading the three-year project on the ground with Tablelands coffee growers for the past year, and among its other initial achievements are:
Improving quality to broaden the market avenue for Australian coffee, allowing farmers to brand their coffee as ‘Queensland-produced’ and ‘Queensland-branded’
Establishing the first on-site coffee lab at the farm gate (Murat Farms), which handles processing, roasting, grading, and cupping, bringing the full value chain to growers
Improving nutrient management using optimal nitrogen application, which has not only boosted flavour profiles to ‘specialty coffee’ status but also cut resource usage by 35–50%
This includes a comparable reduction in methane emissions, highlighting a win-win in cost-efficiency and sustainability
“This project will create opportunities for the implementation of laboratory-based prototype models on a commercial scale through future funds,” Dr Ali said
One of Dr Ali’s 10 novel hybrid coffee plants being trialled in the program.
With a staggering 85% of Australia’s coffee produced in Tropical North Queensland in the Tablelands region, Dr Ali said the scientific innovations and the passionate coffee-growing community had the potential to transform the Australian market.
Elsewhere, climate change is impacting the coffee production and crop value in major coffee-producing regions, including Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
“Coffee growers would have the potential to influence the market in liaison with high-end quality roasters,” he said.
“Our coffee farmers are entering a new era to boost the area of production through increased plant numbers, where their product quality earns rightful recognition and premium returns.
“We’re no longer asking people to taste our coffee – they’re coming to us, which is a game-changing moment for Australian agriculture.”
Backed by key industry partners, the initiative represents a unified effort across growers, researchers, and roasters, including sensory science experts.
The $718,000 project, titled ‘Invigorating the coffee industry in Tropical North Queensland’ will wrap up in 2027 with additional outcomes and recommendations to follow.
Heating the lower limbs before exercise has been found to significantly improve endurance in individuals with heart failure.
The study, led by Griffith University, tested the effects of 45 minutes of hot water immersion (42°C) compared with a control condition (30°C) on 22 participants ranging from 50 to 80 years of age who had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (meaning the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs).
Results showed heating the legs increased blood flow in the femoral artery and improved muscle oxygenation, leading to an average increase of 201 metres in walking distance during an endurance test (similar to a ‘beep test’).
“This research highlights the potential of passive heating as a simple, non-pharmacological strategy to enhance exercise performance in individuals with heart failure,” lead researcher Dr Fergus O’Connor said.
“By improving blood flow and oxygen delivery, lower-limb heating may help patients get more out of their rehabilitation programs.”
While the long-term benefits of this technique needed further investigation, the findings suggested lower-limb heating could be a valuable tool in cardiac rehabilitation.
Future research would explore its potential for enhancing long-term exercise adaptations in heart failure patients.
The Governor-General has announced the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, with several members of the Griffith University community recognised.
The list includes people recommended to the Governor-General by the Council of the Order of Australia and organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous honours.
Former Griffith University Deputy Chancellor (2015-2021) Rachel Hunter AO PSMDUniv
Among the 830 Australians recognised in the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service, the University was proud to see 11 members of its community honoured.
Former Griffith University Deputy Chancellor Mrs Rachel Hunter PSM DUniv was just one of the esteemed recipients, awarded an Officer of Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division for distinguished service to public administration, to tertiary education governance, and to the community of Queensland.
Mrs Hunter served as Deputy Chancellor from 2015-2021, but was also a Vice-Chairperson of the Finance, Resources and Risk Committee, Governor-in-Council Member from 2000-2013, named an Honorary Doctor of the University in 2010, and the founder of the Rachel Hunter Refugee Scholarship, established in 2021.
Since then, she has progressed to other high-profile roles, including Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet from 2021-2023, and has been an Independent Reviewer for Queensland Homelessness Responses since 2024.
Other notable recipients include:
Professor Kate Galloway, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) i
Professor Kate Galloway, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to the law, to education, and to the community. Professor Galloway has had a remarkable impact on the University in the roles of Director, Career Readiness, Arts Education and Law; Education Lead, Climate Action Beacon; Deputy Chair, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Arts Education and Law; Committee Member, Equity Committee; and Associate Professor of Law, Griffith Law School.
Professor Stuart Howden, Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the General Division for eminent service to environmental science, to the global response on climate change and adaptation, to agriculture, and to tertiary education. Professor Howden is an alumnus completing his PhD (ENS) at Griffith in 1990.
Mr Jeremy Heathcote, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to indigenous community health. Mr Heathcote is an alumnus who completed a Master of Employment Relations (2018).
Mrs Erika Gleeson, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the disability sector. Mrs Gleeson is an alumnus studying a Graduate Certifate in Autism Studies (2015)
The late Mr Ian Cousins, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the community of the Gold Coast. Mr Cousins was a former member of the Griffith Business School Steering Committee.
Dr Nur Shkembi, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the visual arts. Dr Shkembi was curator of the Destiny Disrupted exhibition, shown at Granville Centre Art Gallery and Griffith University Art Museum from 2022 to 2023.
Mr Nigel Miller, Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to child protection litigation in Queensland. Mr Miller is an alumnus having completed a Bachelor of Laws/BBus in 2003.
Ms Anita Summers, Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in leadership, program delivery and management in relation to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ms Summers is an alumnus graduating with an MA Public Sector Leadership (2012).
Mr Gregory Toman, Australia Fire Service Medal (AFSM) – Alumnus, GDip Outdoor Education (1993).
Major Julie Doherty, Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement in blood preparedness and clinical leadership as the Senior Medical Officer of the 2nd Health Battalion. Major Doherty is an alumnus who graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (2015)
Recipients announced in the list will be invested with their awards in the coming months, either by the Governor-General at Government House in Canberra, or by the State Governors or Administrator of the Northern Territory.
