Education  program

Building research capability, industry skills and workforce capacity across northern Australia.

Since 2017, the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) has invested $2.89 million in education, training and professional development to strengthen the skills, knowledge and research capability needed to support the sustainable and inclusive development of northern Australia.

Through its industry-focused education and training program, the CRCNA has supported 81 students, including 61 postgraduate and PhD researchers, across agriculture, aquaculture, First Nations-led development, water resources, environmental management, tropical medicine and remote health service delivery.

The program has provided scholarships, bursaries, industry mentoring, professional development and applied research opportunities, connecting students and early-career researchers with universities, industry partners, First Nations organisations and regional communities.

Building skills and capability for the north

Beyond academic research, the CRCNA’s investment has supported practical workforce development and knowledge sharing across emerging and established northern industries.

Activities have included industry-based training, professional development workshops, healthcare education, research placements and initiatives supporting First Nations enterprise and employment pathways.

These investments have helped strengthen regional research networks, improve access to specialised skills and support the adoption of new technologies, practices and service delivery models.

A lasting investment in northern Australia

The CRCNA’s education and training program has contributed to a stronger pipeline of researchers, skilled professionals and industry practitioners with the knowledge and experience to work in northern Australia’s unique operating environments.

By connecting education with real-world industry challenges, the program has helped build the research capability, partnerships and workforce skills needed to support continued innovation, economic development and community wellbeing across the north.