Research from James Cook University (JCU) is helping advance understanding of water quality and environmental monitoring, with the work recently shared with an international audience at the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) 2026 Annual Meeting in Fukuoka, Japan.

Held from 2–7 August, AOGS 2026 brought together researchers from across the Asia-Oceania region and beyond to share new research and build collaborations across Earth, environmental and planetary sciences.

JCU Earth and Environmental Science researchers and students presented work spanning hydrology, geomorphology, remote sensing, natural hazards, environmental monitoring and Earth observation.

Among them was Sofia, a TNQ Drought Hub Honours Scholarship recipient, who presented her research into the use of hyperspectral satellites for water quality monitoring.

Hyperspectral satellite technology captures information across a much wider range of wavelengths than conventional imagery. This can provide more detailed information about what is happening in waterways and support improved environmental monitoring over large areas.

For North Queensland, technologies that can help monitor water resources and environmental conditions have potential to provide useful information for land managers and decision makers, particularly across large and remote regions.

While the TNQ Drought Hub’s support for Sofia’s research was provided to support the work being undertaken here in North Queensland, the opportunity to present the research internationally highlights the broader value of locally focused research.

Sofia said AOGS provided an opportunity to share ideas, learn from researchers across different disciplines and build new connections, with the feedback and knowledge gained now feeding into the next stage of her research.

The hub is pleased to support research that strengthens local knowledge and capability in areas such as environmental monitoring, remote sensing and data-driven decision making, while giving emerging researchers opportunities to contribute to important conversations about the major environmental challenges facing Australia and the wider Asia–Oceania region.

Image Credit: Dr Ben Jarihani