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 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 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.
“The genetic data clearly show they’re not only different, they’re not even interbreeding despite overlapping ranges,” Griffith’s Professor Kylie Pitt said.
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
By Lecturer Caitlin Davey, Griffith Criminology Institute
New research has found that while Australians generally support strong punishments, people living in the bush are significantly more likely than city dwellers to want to punish more harshly those who break the law.
It means Australians living in rural and regional areas are more likely to support tougher penalties for crime than those in the cities.
However, it’s not for the reasons you might expect.
So, what drives this divide?
In short: fear of crime and a lack of confidence in the justice system.
Our research, published today in the Journal of Rural Studies, surveyed a representative sample of Australians to better understand their views on punishment and what shaped their views.
We found city residents with tough attitudes toward crime tend to focus on the individual and personal blame, thinking offenders commit crime due to internal attributes (such as having “a poor moral compass”). They tended to see lawbreakers as lacking the capacity to redeem themselves.
But in rural areas, people are more likely to focus on what’s happening around them. Specifically, we found support for tougher penalties for crime was related to wider concerns about rising crime rates and a general lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.
Consider the role of ‘rurality’
To understand these differences, we thought about how living in rural areas may shape punitive attitudes.
Contrary to popular belief, crimes occur at higher rates in many rural communities than in some urban areas.
Crime may also be more visible and more confronting because towns are smaller. Personal relationships are denser, meaning people often know the victims or the offenders.
This closeness creates a stronger emotional response and a heightened sense of risk at the local level – even if the actual chances of being victimised are statistically low.
There’s also the issue of access to the criminal justice system. Courts may sit infrequently, meaning it can take a long time to get a case heard in court. In some cases, victims and offenders are forced to share courtroom space due to limited facilities.
Police stations might not be staffed around the clock.
Add to this long wait times for justice, and it’s no wonder rural Australians may feel the system isn’t working for them.
The power of perception
It’s important to understand perception doesn’t always match reality.
Urban areas often have more total crime, but rural areas may have higher rates of certain offences, especially violent ones.
But what really matters in shaping public opinion is not necessarily the total numbers, but how close, immediate and personal crime feels.
Other research has found people who feel crime is psychologically “close” – meaning, that’s likely to happen to them or someone they know – are much more worried about it.
That worry can translate into calls for tougher sentencing, stricter laws, and less tolerance for rehabilitation.
This fear is made worse by a lack of confidence in the justice system. Many rural residents feel the system is too slow, too distant, or simply doesn’t understand local issues.
Some research shows that rural residents may not have confidence in the police ability or capacity to solve certain crimes and that courts in general are too soft on crime.
When people feel justice won’t be done, they’re more likely to demand punishment that feels immediate and severe.
Why it matters
These findings are more than just a snapshot of attitudes; they have real implications for public policy.
Politicians often draw on public opinion when shaping criminal justice policies.
If rural voters are more likely to support tough-on-crime platforms, that can influence laws that affect the whole country.
But one-size-fits-all solutions won’t work.
The factors shaping crime perceptions in Brisbane or Sydney are very different from those in Longreach or Wagga Wagga.
To build trust and improve safety, we need justice strategies that take into account local realities, especially in rural areas.
This means investing in better access to police and courts, improving communication between justice systems and rural communities, and helping the public understand what crime is really happening and what’s not.
Australians in rural areas aren’t more punitive because they’re harsher people. Our research shows they are more worried, feel less supported, and have less confidence in the system designed to protect them.
Understanding this difference is key to building smarter, fairer justice policies because when people feel seen, heard, and safe, they’re less likely to demand punishment to solve feelings of insecurity and more likely to support holistic solutions.
What’s needed now
Rural communities need tailored strategies that improve access to justice, rebuild trust, and respond to their unique experiences of crime.
That means policymakers need to go beyond reactive, headline-driven responses.
Rural justice strategies should include mobile court services, better resourcing for regional police and victim support, and culturally appropriate services for Indigenous communities.
Community education campaigns can also help close the gap between crime perception and reality.
Importantly, involving local voices in justice reform, through consultation and community partnerships, can help rebuild trust and ensure policies reflect rural realities, not just urban assumptions.
As political debate over law and order grows, especially in rural communities, leaders must address the divide in how city and country Australians view crime and punishment.
Now 25, the woman has spoken publicly for the first time after a legal fight that forced the release of security footage. The vision is disturbing. The officer was found to have committed misconduct but received only a minor fine, six months of monitoring, and kept his job.
This case has sparked public outcry and renewed calls for an independent inquiry into the use of force by corrections staff in New South Wales.
But it also points to something deeper and more systemic: how state institutions, cloaked in the legitimacy of law and order, can perpetuate violence against the very citizens they’re meant to protect.
There is a complex interplay between state crime, structural violence, and injustice and state institutions can perpetuate harm, not only through overt acts of violence, but through policies that entrench inequality and marginalise vulnerable communities.
New research is a critical reminder that crime and justice must be examined not only on the streets, but also in the corridors of power.
State violence often hides in plain sight.
It doesn’t always look like a rogue officer slamming a teenage girl into the ground. Sometimes it looks like bureaucratic neglect, austerity policies, disproportionate policing or punitive immigration laws.
This form of violence, what scholars call structural violence, emerges when governments design or maintain systems that consistently harm or disadvantage specific communities.
These policies and practices may be legal, but they are not harmless.
This is a form of state crime: when the state, either through action or inaction, commits or facilitates harm against its own people, especially the most vulnerable.
A crisis of accountability
What makes these harms so insidious is their legality.
The systems that produce inequality and suffering are often written into law, enforced by institutions, and justified in the name of public good.
Yet the effects are undeniable. People in poverty lose access to healthcare and housing. Indigenous communities face disproportionate surveillance and incarceration. Migrants are detained in conditions that raise serious human rights concerns.
In these moments, the state does not fail to protect, it actively causes harm.
The NSW case is not an anomaly. It reflects a broader pattern – when institutions police themselves often, accountability is weak, investigations are opaque, sanctions are minor and offenders stay in positions of power.
This lack of accountability isn’t just about bad outcomes; it erodes the very legitimacy of the justice system. If citizens can be brutalised without consequence, what does justice mean?
Rethinking crime and justice – the way forward
My research urges a shift in how we think about crime.
It’s not enough to focus on individuals breaking the law, we must also examine how laws and institutions themselves produce harm through neglect, discrimination, or abuse of power.
This means asking uncomfortable questions: Who benefits from the current system? Who is silenced? And what happens when the law protects the powerful more than the people?
As calls grow louder for independent oversight of correctional institutions in NSW, we’re reminded that real justice requires more than inquiries or reviews. It demands structural change.
That starts with recognising the violence some governments and institutions inflict, not as exceptions or “bad apples,” but as symptoms of deeper inequalities written into the fabric of policy and power.
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.
