Medical Laboratory Science Alumni - James Cook University

11/10/2026

The JCU vet lab and some of its staff will remain, thanks to the support of the wider JCU community

James Cook University has announced a cut to laboratory staff after a lengthy consultation process.

An initial proposal to close the Townsville JCU veterinary diagnostic pathology lab has been ditched with the lab to remain open.

The lab, currently staffed by three people, will be staffed by two employees who will prioritise education before commercial lab services.

JCU will also retain its Townsville aquarium but will re-home other live animals which are on display in Townsville and Cairns.

A total of five full-time equivalent positions will be cut as part of the JCU restructure.

Vice-Chancellor Simon Biggs said the university needed to prioritise spending on student learning.

28/08/2026

The JCU degree has a new look!

Think biomedicine could be an interesting career path for you? 🔬

JCU now offers the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences – Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, a unique joint degree that can be completed in less than four years.

The course combines a strong foundation in biomedical science with professional laboratory medicine training, preparing graduates for careers as medical laboratory scientists while also providing the flexibility to pursue further study and a range of health-related professions.

Students develop important laboratory skills from the very beginning, including learning to work with the microscope through histology.

🔎 Find out how JCU’s academic team is ensuring students develop advanced microscope skills from the start:

https://www.jcu.edu.au/this-is-uni/health-and-medicine/articles/biomed-under-the-microscope

Explore the new joint degree:
https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-biomedical-sciences-bachelor-of-laboratory-medicine

28/07/2026

Save our JCU Ver Lab!!!

Over the past week, our campaign has gathered real momentum. We have secured coverage in the Townsville Bulletin and ABC North Queensland, and we are about to launch the next phase of our campaign with News Corp.

People are listening. Now we need JCU management to listen.

The single biggest factor that will influence what happens next is the number of people who turn up on Monday. A strong turnout will demonstrate that staff, students and the wider community will not accept cuts that damage teaching, learning and research.

These are not just Lab Technician jobs. These are the people who keep practical classes running safely, support our researchers, prepare laboratories, maintain specialised equipment and ensure students receive the hands-on learning they came to university for. If these positions are lost, it is students who will ultimately bear the consequences through a diminished educational experience.

This is not industrial action.

The rally is being held during the lunch hour. Staff are simply attending on their lunch break. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Please commit to attending Monday and bringing someone with you.

Talk to your colleagues today. Invite your students. Tell your friends. Forward this email. Send a text. Mention it in meetings. Post nf Facebook. Every conversation between now and Monday has the potential to bring another person to the rally and save these jobs!

If every member convinced just one other person to attend, we could fill the space outside Science Place and send a message that simply cannot be ignored.

Rally Details

📅 Monday 3 August
🕛 12.00 pm
📍 Outside Science Place, Bebegu Yumba

This campaign has reached a critical point.

We have media attention.
We have community support.
We have students standing beside staff.

Now we need to show JCU management that this university stands together. Please make every effort to be there.

If we do not stand up for these jobs now, we will not get another opportunity.

28/07/2026

Recently you may have heard that Medical Laboratory Science students were not included in the Goverment's roll out of a paid student placement scheme for Allied Health students. this is disappointing.
A group of Universities which host AIMS accredited Medical Laboratory Science programs are conducting a research project to understand some of the issues surrounding placement for both students, Medical Laboratory Science Alumni - James Cook University , university and laboratory staff. Please take some time to answer the following surveys. We are hoping to provide evidence for the need for placement support for MLS students.

MLS student placement - Industry & university staff survey -
https://cdu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4PHauqTBMu8GZYG

MLS student placement survey -
https://cdu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_06xy6VbnTYRqZ1A

Thankyou
Donna

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

20/07/2026

https://c.org/vmG587bdJW

Help us save the JCU vet lab!

05/02/2026

The AIMS national meeting is in Perth this year. Consider joining AIMS to be eligible for the following financial incentives:

AIMS are pleased to offer scholarships and prizes that promote education and development for members of the AIMS community.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications are now open for scholarships to attend the National Scientific Meeting NSM in Perth, 16-18 September 2026.

There are six scholarships being offered:

Two rural and remote attendee scholarships
Two early career scientist scholarships
Two first time presenter of an oral or poster presentation scholarship.
The value of each scholarship is up to $2,000 for Congress registration, and travel and accommodation expenses associated with attending. Completed applications to be emailed to [email protected] .

Application Forms with information and eligibility criteria can be found here.

CLOSING DATE for Scholarship Applications: Friday 29 May 2026

PRIZES

AIMS is offering three prizes of 2 years AIMS membership, one in each of the following categories:

Best oral presentation
Best poster
Best research presentation (oral or poster).
To apply for a prize, authors must indicate if they wish to be considered for an award when submitting their abstract. Abstracts are to be submitted via the link on the Submission Portal on the NSM 2026 website.

Abstract Submission Guidelines and a sample abstract can also be found on the website.

CLOSING DATE for Call for Abstracts: Monday 23 March 2026

If you have any questions, please contact AIMS at [email protected]

13/01/2026

Happy new year Alumni! If anyone was interested in attending the conference in Fiji this year, please be aware that the dates may change slightly due to venue availability. Please wait for an official confirmation before booking anything, watch this space for updates 👀

08/12/2025

Consider applying for this if you have a research project in mind... Message for more details

📣 Applications are now open for the 2026 AIMS Research Engagement Grant Scheme!

The AIMS REGS seeks to develop, support, and foster research in fields related to diagnostic pathology, across all clinical and research experience and career levels.

For full details and application forms visit: https://www.aims.org.au/Web/Web/Services/Research-Engagement-Grant-Scheme.aspx?hkey=4eae0718-09bf-49aa-88b0-e8184a992dcf

📌 Applications close 31st March 2026.

24/11/2025

Exciting news! We are heading to Fiji for our next tropical division AIMS meeting!! Save the date, the venue is likely to be the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort. Come and have an unforgettable experience and catch up with your JCU alumni, it is looking popular!

More details to be released soon when everything is confirmed 👌. At this stage, just keep your calendar free and submit your leave applications 😉