Researchers at City of Hope, a world-renowned research and treatment organisation for cancer and diabetes, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland have developed a novel anti-HIV protein that suppressed HIV levels in the bone marrow, spleen and brain of mice and prevented the virus from replicating in those regions, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
Their research demonstrates that scientists could engineer nanosized parts of cells called exosomes to carry therapeutic cargo to hard-to-reach places, including the nearly impenetrable blood-brain barrier.
This innovative delivery system paves the way for a future where it’s conceivable that engineered exosomes could carry cargo that either suppress infectious diseases or restructure genetic material so that pathogens are rendered harmless.
“This innovative technology could become a viable way to deliver therapies not only for HIV but also for other diseases, including ones that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” said Professor Kevin Morris, from Griffith’s School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and City of Hope’s Center for Gene Therapy.
Human immunodeficiency virus attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making an individual more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Many researchers believe one way to cure HIV is to “block and lock” the disease in a process that obstructs the ability of the virus to replicate and locks it in a dormant state.
“The ZPAMt HIV protein repressor we developed is packaged into exosome nanoparticles and can enter cells where it epigenetically silences HIV,” Professor Morris said.
“We show that these nanoparticles can systemically ‘block and lock’ HIV expression. This is the first time that block and lock has been successfully delivered to treat HIV in vivo in the brain.”
HIV can enter the human body in a dormant-like state; it is able to hide from the body’s immune system and evade treatments. Then, it can reactivate later. HIV hiding in the brain is especially difficult to treat because of the blood-brain barrier, which prevents both toxins and therapies from entering the brain.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, so once someone contracts it, they will have it for life. An estimated 1.19 million people in the United States had HIV at the end of 2019, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In Australia there were 29,045 people living with HIV in 2019 according to the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations.
Exosomes are cellular products roughly 100 nm in diameter, seen after 30,000-fold magnification under Transmission Electron Microscope. Graphical representation of exosomes shows packaging of therapeutic ZPAMt RNA with the help of scaffold protein L7ae fused to exosomal marker protein CD63.
Six deserving Griffith students have been awarded National Council of Women of Queensland Inc (NCWQ) bursaries to assist with their chosen pathway of study.
Kelsey Ramage completed a Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science recently and says she will use the NCWQ Boyce Disability Bursary to move closer to campus in order to study a PhD full-time.
“I was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, and completed my postgraduate program at 25,” Kelsey explained.
“While it’s technically a disability, and I’ve had to put a lot of work into learning how to best communicate with people, I also credit it with giving me an analytical mind that has allowed me to pursue the goal of becoming a medicinal chemist.
“I transferred to Griffith last year because of the effect COVID-19 had on my work at my previous university, and I’ve already met a lot of people in the lab and the office at GRIDD (Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery) who have made me feel welcome.”
“I feel like I’ve been able to make myself known here already, especially whenI won first prize for the five-minute presentations at this year’s GRIDD Student Symposium.”
Kelsey hopes to start her PhD studies next year, to advance her goal of combining her chemistry and communication skills as a lecturer or a science communicator.
Final year student Amanda Martin, who is completing a dual Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics, has received the Office for Women Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursary for 2021 from NCWQ.
Passionately interested in First Peoples Education and ensuring adequate access to learning in remote communities, she believes the best way to help minority groups is to have a thorough knowledge of the laws that govern them.
Over and above her studies she is also involved in mentoring programs, such as the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program which provides extra support to new students enrolled in more difficult subjects and has also worked as a tutor through Griffith’s Indigenous support unit, Gumurrii.
Amanda says the bursary will finance tools like textbooks, headphones and internet access.
“While there is a lot of financial support for commencing students, as the years continue there is less support available, yet the costs of studying stay constant or increase,” she said.
“Like many students I was directly affected by COVID-19, losing my job at the airport.
“This bursary (means) I can maintain the quality of my academic work in my final year of study.”
Other NCWQ bursaries have been awarded to Doctor of Philosophy student Carina Ayu Soleckhan, Special Education Teacher and Master of Education and Professional Studies Research student Laura Loucks, third year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) student Estha Nulty and fellow Engineering (Honours) student Medina Jenkins.
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Kelsey Ramage
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Amanda Martin
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Estha Nulty
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Medina Jenkins
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Carina Soleckhan
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Laura Loucks
Bursary winners
| Griffith Student |
Course |
Campus |
Bursary |
| Kelsey Ramage |
Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science |
Nathan |
Boyce Disability Bursary |
| Amanda Martin |
Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics |
Nathan |
Office for Women Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bursary |
| Carina Ayu Soleckhan |
Doctor of Philosophy |
Gold Coast |
Narelle Townsend Urban Design Bursary |
| Laura Loucks |
Master of Education and Professional studies |
Mount Gravatt |
Boyce Disability bursary |
| Medina Jenkins |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) -Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
Gold Coast |
TMR Women in Engineering (SEQ) Bursary |
| Estha Nulty |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Mechanical |
Gold Coast |
TMR Women in Engineering (SEQ) Bursary |
The NCWQ bursary program started in 2009 and represents the commitment of NCWQ to equality of opportunity for all women.
The 2021 program, through NCWQ and its sponsors, offers a range of bursaries, to assist Queensland women with their educational expenses. Most bursaries are valued about $1,000 each.
Griffith UniversityalumnusHannah Bryce has been named Queensland Visual Communication Graduate of the Year by the Design Institute of Australia(DIA).
The Queensland College of Art (QCA) design graduate won the visual communications category. Fellow QCA design graduate Cory Lo was named runner-up. This marks the second year in a row thatQCA graduates have beenrecognisedas the bestdesign talentin the state.
Industry recognition
Hannah’s award-winning design work
Hannah’s innovative final year projects were applauded by the industry judging panel and included a journaling app for empty nesters, an AR-enabled animated book exploring fake news and a typography book celebrating talented First Nations teens. 
Shesaid she wasdelighted to behonouredby the DIA.
“It feels amazing to be the Queensland visual communication design graduate of the year,” she said.
“As a designer,this isthe first time I’ve beenrecognisedby the industryand it was great to get that validation.
“All oftheworkI submittedwas from my final year at QCAanddrew on my own experiences.
“The beauty of studying design at QCA was that we had the freedom to make some pretty awesome personal projects.”
Pushing the boundaries of design
Hannah, who was snapped up by a local creative agency after graduating from the QCA, said emerging designers were pushing the boundaries with augmented reality, 3D and user experience design.
“Iseea lot ofyoung designers expanding into new spaces, which is really exciting,” she said.
“Creativity is a way of life for me and it’sgreat to explore the different ways you canbring togetherdesignand technology.”
Both Hannah and Coryparticipated in theQCA’s work integrateddesign studio,Liveworm.
HannahsaidLivewormprovidedastepping-stone between university andlife in the design industry.
“It gave us real-time feedback from designersand we got experience at pitching our concepts to clientsand then seeing them out in the world, which is really similar to a creative studio,” Hannah said.
“Atuni, Ijust tried to do absolutely everything I could.I got amazingopportunities- I did the Hackathon, Adobe jams andgot the opportunity to designthe Griffith diary one year.”
Creating design leaders
Liveworm Creative Director Dr David Sargent
Creative Director of Liveworm Dr David Sargent said Hannah and Cory were standout students and future design leaders.
“Theyare smart and switched onwith a great work ethic,” he said.
“Both Hannah and Cory are passionate about the possibilities of design and producing really interesting work.
“These awards are about findingthe people who are going to be the future leaders in the design field.
“A lot of our graduates are now working in industries that didn’t exist when they started their degree.
“To berecognisedas one of the best emerging designers in Australia is pretty exciting.”
World-class design destination
Prof. Elisabeth Findlay
QCADirector ProfessorElisabeth Findlaysaid theDIAhonoursreflected the highcalibreof teaching and learning in the Bachelor of Design program.
“We are thrilled that our graduates have beenrecognisedas among the best in Australia,”she said.
“Our Design students are mentored by faculty members who are academic scholars and industry leaders. They also enjoy outstanding opportunities at our world-class studios at South Bank and the Gold Coast.”
The DIA Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA) is a portfolio-based program that rewards the highest standards of excellence in final year or recent design graduates.
The Queensland finalists will be in the running for the national awards, held in late October.
Find out more about Design at the Queensland College of Art.
Why did you choose to study at Young Conservatorium?
I chose to study at Young Conservatorium to expose myself to musicians from different musical backgrounds. I always look forward to learning new elements from the experiences and skills of other students. Their playing techniques as well as performance style and mindset really inspire me. Being able to make music together with the other students under the guidance of Stefanie Smith and Angus Wilson is an opportunity I truly treasure.
What do you love most about Young Conservatorium?
Now, what I love most about Young Conservatorium…I love everything about Young Conservatorium! I enjoy interacting with Kevin Edwards and the dedicated Young Conservatorium Team both during rehearsals and actual performances. Setting up and packing away percussion instruments are part of my duties as a percussion player. I enjoy arriving early enough ahead of rehearsal times to have short chats with fellow orchestral and ensemble members. I enjoy every bit of the rehearsals, maybe not so much when there are rests lining up for the part I am playing. There is a great sense of achievement when I am able to play at the expected standard, blending in with the other instruments, to make sounds that resonate beautifully together.
What advice do you have for students looking to study at Young Conservatorium?
If you are looking to study at Young Conservatorium, my advice to you would be, do not hesitate, enrol right away and give it your best shot by practicing hard! Practice and commitment underline your pathway to excellence. Young Conservatorium is a platform for musicians to enhance their musical skills, achieve their best and shine! Prepare yourself and be ready to immerse yourself in a journey of enriched, fun musical learning!
Young Conservatorium applications closing Saturday 18 September! Apply now at griffith.edu.au/youngcon
A Griffith University-led study has provided the first evidence of mercury accumulation in humpback whales and looked at levels in other marine megafauna foraging in the Southern Ocean.
Conducted in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division, the British Antarctic Survey and the University of Southern Demark, the study found mercury levels increased along the Antarctic food chain, however relatively low levels were found in whales’ skin and blubber.
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash, Centre of Planetary Health and Food Security
“Mercury is a potent neurotoxin,” said lead researcher Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash from the Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security.
“But how this neurotoxin cycles between the living organisms and the environment in the remoteAntarctic regionis poorly understood, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing Antarctic climate.”
The researchers assessed the potential use of humpback whales as bioindicators of mercury under the Minamata Convention, an international treaty that came into effect in 2017 designed to monitor mercury exposure and protect human and environmental health from harmful impacts.
“We need systems in place for long-term monitoring of mercury levels in the environment, but these are challenging to effectively implement in the remote Antarctic region,” Associate Professor Bengtson Nash said.
“Our goal was to evaluate the potential use of humpback whales as sentinels of mercury accumulation in the Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem.”
The research team found the greatest amounts of mercury in Antarctic fur seals, with high levels also recorded in three Southern Ocean species of petrel.
Antarctic fur seal, photo: Susan Bengtson Nash
Krill, at the bottom of the Antarctic food web, had the lowest levels of mercury, however, levels varied with the krills’ life stage, reflecting the differences in ice and open ocean foraging.
The second highest levels of mercury among the Southern Ocean species analysed was found in humpback whale muscle.
“Interestingly, mercury accumulation in the whales’ blubber and skin were relatively low, more than 100 times lower than that in the muscle,” Associate Professor Bengtson Nash said.
Antarctic krillmercury varied with life stage, reflecting differences in ice and open ocean foraging.
“The low level of mercury found in the whales’ skin and blubber, and the apparent lack of bioaccumulation between Antarctic krill and these tissues in humpback whales, likely masks preferential storage of mercury in other body tissue like the muscle.”
“That means, before we can use non-invasive skin and blubber samples from humpbacks as to evaluate mercury accumulation, we need an accurate understanding of how mercury distributes throughout the whales’ various body tissues, in order to relate these back to levels in the blubber.”
“Such investigations will pave the way for the inclusion of mercury monitoring into the Humpback Whale Sentinel Program, a long-term biomonitoring program for circum-polar surveillance of Antarctic climate change and pollution.
Aboriginal scholar and podiatrist Professor James Charles has been appointed Director of Griffith University’s First Peoples Health Unit (FPHU).
Having devoted his career to Aboriginal foot health and education, Professor Charles started at Griffith this week from Deakin University.
A Kaurna man from Adelaide, Professor Charles said he was “incredibly excited” to take the reins as Director.
Professor James Charles.
“There’s a sense of genuine enthusiasm at Griffith around the FPHU and its significant contribution in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health within Griffith and more broadly in the tertiary sector,” Professor Charles said.
“I’ve got a lot of energy and am really passionate, so I’m looking forward to bringing that to this role and building on the success of the FPHU even further.”
The FPHU provides high level leadership and strategic direction on First Peoples’ health in the areas of learning and teaching, research and engagement, embedding First Peoples’ knowledge to contribute towards closing the gap in health outcomes.
As FPHU Director Professor Charles will look to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce and ensure the success of students throughout their study journey and into the workplace.
“A lot of people are aware of cultural competence frameworks, but we need more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in health roles to provide an adequate level of cultural knowledge and understanding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their communities,” he said.
“It’s about attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, supporting them on their journey and not only seeing them complete their degree, but go on to succeed in their career.”
Professor Charles will continue to strengthen the FPHU’s community ties.
“I want to be consultative and uniting,” he said.
“It is imperative that we understand the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their communities and deliver hands on solutions that address those challenges.”
“It’s about bringing people together and working together with them on whatever the project may be.”
Throughout his career, Professor Charles has worked in and with Aboriginal communities. At a policy level, he has recently worked with Diabetes Feet Australia to assist in the development of their new clinical guidelines, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander considerations for the first time.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Cindy Shannon.
Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Cindy Shannon said she was looking forward to working with him.
“Professor Charles brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in Aboriginal health through his work in community, clinical and research settings,” Professor Shannon said.
“In its six years of operation, the FPHU has vastly contributed to positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.”
“We are looking forward to Professor Charles leading the FPHU in its continued success.”
Acting Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Professor Analise O’Donovan said Professor Charles had spent his career immersed in helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and had previously been President of Indigenous Allied Health Australia and Chair of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia Network.
Acting Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Professor Analise O’Donovan.
“Professor Charles was the first Aboriginal person to receive a Master of Podiatry and the first Aboriginal Podiatrist to receive a PhD,” Professor O’Donovan said.
“He received the National NAIDOC Scholar of the Year award in 2017 for his teaching, research and work in the Aboriginal community.
“We welcome Professor Charles as Director of the FPHU and look forward to drawing on his experience and knowledge.”
Professor Charles started his new post this week, albeit remotely from Melbourne due to border restrictions until he can relocate to the Gold Coast.
A new scholarship will pave the way for aspiring career-changers try their hand at teaching.
Griffith University is one of two institutions selected to offer the Queensland Government’s ‘Turn to Teaching’ Internship Program.
Run though the Department of Education, it offers aspiring teachers financial support while they complete their post-graduate studies.
It is open to students enrolling in Griffith’s Master of Primary Teaching or Master of Secondary Teaching.
Scholarship winners will receive $20,000 in their first year of post-graduate study and full-time paid employment in an internship position at a Queensland state school with a reduced workload while completing their second year of study.
Master of Teaching student Rebecca Madsen
Griffith University Master of Primary Teaching student Rebecca Madsen headed back to university after more than 20 years in the corporate world.
Previously a marketing professional, becoming a parent made her re-evaluate her career goals.
“Although I had always enjoyed the fast pace, rigor and creativity of my corporate life as a marketing professional, becoming a parent inspired me to seek a more meaningful path,” she said.
“As it turns out, teaching can be pretty fast-paced, rigorous and creative too!
“I think mature aged teachers with previous life experience have so much to bring to the profession.”
Professor Donna Pendergast.
Head of Griffith University’s School of Education and Professional Studies, Professor Donna Pendergast, said the scholarship offered a life-changing opportunity for people keen to enter the teaching profession.
“We’re very proud to be selected as one of just two universities to offer this scholarship, and I think it reflects the quality of our programs,” she said.
“This scholarship offers a pathway for people who are potential career-changers, but haven’t been able to make the shift because of financial constraints.
“It inspires them to give teaching a go and move into a really meaningful and rewarding career.”
Professor Pendergast said the COVID pandemic had led many professionals to re-evaluate their career and enhanced the reputation of teaching.
“During COVID we’ve seen the status of the teaching profession increase and people value the work of teachers a little bit more.
“Parents who have been supervising learning at home have also had an opportunity to look at the learning that’s taking place and get a sense of what happens in the classroom.”
Matilda Heck came to study at Young Conservatorium after participating in our SHEP program. Read more about her experience at Young Conservatorium below!
Why did you choose to study at Young Conservatorium?
I chose to study at the Young Conservatorium after attending my first SHEP in grade 9. I enjoyed the experience so much, that when I was made aware of the regular programs at Young Conservatorium, I was excited. I liked the idea of learning music at a university while being in a program that suits younger students that is nurturing with opportunities to grow and excel. Now, that I am nearing the end of year 12, I can say that it was an excellent decision for me to attend the Young Conservatorium during high school.
What do you love most about Young Conservatorium?
I love the passionate people you meet including the knowledgeable and experienced teachers who guide you throughout the process; from auditioning to performing on stage with the Concert Choir. We have had wonderful performance opportunities, and the Conservatorium’s theatre is amazing! I enjoy the diverse music repertoire that we learn, the different styles of music and song, and singing in the fantastic opera space where we rehearse. It has also been of great benefit to participate in Musical Awareness classes in Musicianship – Theory and Aural Studies to further strengthen my learning. I appreciate the access to the fantastic university facilities and attending this beautiful campus at South Bank.
What advice do you have for students looking to study at Young Conservatorium?
I advise students looking to study at Young Conservatorium to give it their best! With the guidance and expertise of your teachers and peers, together you will create amazing and enjoyable music. Take the opportunities that are available at the Young Conservatorium, as you will learn and experience so much!
Young Conservatorium 2022 applications are now open! Visitgriffith.edu.au/youngconfor more information and to apply.
Fiona Wrighttook the plungetocommenceUniversityas a mature age student,in pursuit of a career to improve thepublic health and nutrition gap among Indigenous communities.
Completing a Bachelor of Public Health Promotion andGraduateDiploma in Indigenous Health Promotion(2020),Fiona now works full time in Griffith’s First People’s Health Unit, supporting health students on their educational journey.
“My study at Griffithset me up well with the knowledge and tools to make a significant contribution to Indigenous communities,” she said.
“Iam excited to be working with the community and providing a culturally safe space for students studying a health degree.”
Fiona is a proud Kamilaroi woman from Mungindi, Western Queensland, who grew up in Victoria and moved to the Gold Coast over 30 years ago.
Inspired by family who work in the health sector, Fiona first wanted to learn more about health promotion and education.
“I started at Griffith as a matureage student, actually at the same time as my daughter.”
“Aftermany years in the finance and building industry,this gave me the hindsight to understand what I really wanted to do, help others!”
Recognised for her study commitment andachievements, Fiona was awarded an Arrow Energy Scholarship in the final year of her program, which she says was a fantastic boost to her confidence and drive.
“Having Arrow invest in my education made me push myself to excel.”
“Taking away financial pressuresallowedme to focus fulltime on my studies-completing assessmentson time and,most importantly,exam preparation.”
“The scholarship enabled me to achieve my goals, gain a high GPA and contributed to where I am now in my career.”
Fiona at the Gold Coast campus
Fiona also used her time at Griffith to improve her networking skills,connecting with peers and health professionals, and ultimately,work opportunities.
“I’mnormally a bit quiet, soI decided that I would always start a conversation with whoeverI sat next to,” she said.
“I alsosignedup to be a summer scholar, whichled to a casual position at Griffith as a research assistant,” she said.
COVID-19 restrictions presented some challenges during her studies, however one-on-one catch ups with teaching staff helped with home study and still feeling connected with the cohort.
“I have had a truly amazing experience at Griffith. Like my peers, we found new ways of communicating whether it is study or business,so these new skills will be well used,” she said.
Find out more about the generosity of Arrow Energy and how to apply for future scholarships at, Arrow Energy Scholarship.
Griffith University researchers have analysed decades of surveys documenting theenvironmentalresponse to coastal protection structures at an iconic stretch ofthenorthern New South Wales beaches,findingthat someimpacts can take years to eventuate.
Published inMarine Geology, researchers from theCoastal & Marine Research Centreand theSchool of Engineering & Built Environmentassessedsixsurveys throughout 1967 to 2020 to observe the morphologicaland sand volumechanges totheLetitia Spit -south of the Tweed River-in response to the construction of therivertraining walls around1962-1964 and an artificial sand bypassing systemimplementedin 2001.
This coastal area inNew South Wales,that alsobordersthe southern Gold Coast,has been under the influence of management actions over the last 100 years, with the first rudimentary rock wall built in theTweed River in the1890s.
The beaches north and south of the Tweed River are popular locations, particularlyfor surfers,and the Tweed Riverentranceis a busy thoroughfare for recreational and commercial vessels.
PhD candidate AnaPauladaSilva andtheresearch team foundthatwhilethebeach in theimmediate updrift(south)of the Tweed Rivercoastal interventionsrespondedwithin monthstoacouple of yearstothe introduction ofthe entrance trainingstructures, the extension of those impacts furthersouthalongtheLetitia Spitcoastlinewasgradual and tookdecades.
Overall, for Fingal Beach—atthe southern end of Letitia Spit — the impacts were largely reduced and there is no evidence over the period of the study ofmorphologicalchangesextendingsouth of Fingal Head.
About two to three decades were necessaryforLetitia Spittoreachthemaximumcapacity forsand accumulation on the beachcaused by the training wall obstruction of the littoral(nearshore zone)drift, whereas thesubsequenterosional stateoccurred followingthecommencement of the artificial bypassingandcontinued foronlyabout one decade before the newbeachequilibrium was reached.
“The beaches are normally under what we call dynamic equilibrium: they fluctuate around an‘average’positionin response to the variability in hydrodynamic factors— liketidal cyclesandwave climate– and sediment supply.”
“These oscillations will lead to the natural phases of erosion and accretion in a beach, which might happen seasonally and/or interannually – that will vary from place to place. But the important thingis:inthe same way the beach erodesat times, it accretesat others. It isa natural changethatis mostly naturally reversible.
“So, when something external interactswith the natural beach dynamics, likenewcoastal structures,thecomplex and integrated system that sustains the beach equilibrium needs to adapt.”
In the case ofLetitia Spit,construction of thetraining wallsin the 1960sblocked the sand movement to the north and caused Letitia Spit to go into a persistent accretion trend that lasted until the 1990s.
If the beach is in a constant trend for so long, it is not in dynamic equilibrium and it cannotreverse the situation by itself.
“It is interesting that decades are a long time for us, for coastal management and for community needs; but it is actually a short time for some natural processes,” Silva said.
“It is easier for us to understand if we think about the erosion trend, which was happeningon the southernGold Coast while Letitia Spit was accreting. By itself, it would be very hard for the Southern Gold Coast beaches to accrete again and find an ideal dynamic equilibrium,at least on a timescale relevant for the community needs.
“It isalsorelevant to understand that despite Letitia Spitbeing solargely accreted (whichmightseem good from one’s perspective), thiswasnot a naturalcircumstance, it happened because of thenewtraining walls.
“Therefore, with any change in the beach conditionsthe accretion trend could‘easily’ flip to an erosion trend.”
“The introduction of the artificial sand bypassing restarted the littoral driftto the north, and consequentlysomeupper beach erosionoccurredas the excess of sand accumulated on Letitia Spitwas transported away. Currently, the beach has returned to its natural dynamicequilibriumand it is inasimilar condition to the firstfewyearsfollowingthe training walls’construction.”
This study raises attention to the value of long-term beach monitoringonboth sides of the implemented coastal structure.
“Our findingsoffer valuable scientific information to share withcoastal managers andthelocalcommunityshowingthat there isa strongneed to keep monitoringthesebeachesfor decades to followtheirevolutionafter implementing any intervention,”Silva said.
The research‘Updrift morphological impacts of a coastal protection strategy. How far and for how long?’has been published inMarine Geology.
