JCU Library announces Winner of the 2026 Sage Grant

JCU Library is pleased to announce Robyn Pearce as the 2026 winner of the JCU Library Sage Publishing Asia Pacific Grant for Indigenous HDR Students. Robyn is a PhD candidate with the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). Robyn receives a research grant of $5,000, and recently presented her research to the university community as part of grant requirements.

Robyn’s presentation topic was eDNA on Country: environmental surveillance under flying-fox roosts and in nearby waterways, with Indigenous rangers. The recording of Robyn’s presentation can be viewed here:


Robyn Pearce presenting her research to the university community 

 Robyn Pearce presenting her research to the university community

JCU Library and GRS Staff 

From L to R: Jayshree Mamtora, Manager, Education and Research Support, JCU Library; Robyn Pearce, 2026 Winner; Bronwyn Mathiesen, Head, Library Services and University Librarian, JCU Library; and Professor Elizabeth Tynan, Head HDR Development, JCU Graduate Research School 
 

The Grant

The Sage Research Grant was first negotiated with Sage Publications Asia Pacific by the Library in mid-2020. As a global academic publisher of books, journals, and a growing suite of library products and services, Sage’s mission is to build bridges to knowledge. To this end, SAGE Publications Asia Pacific are providing funding for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) grant to Australian Indigenous HDR students at JCU. The scholarship is subject to the provisions of James Cook University’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy. 
 
The Sage grant aims to support the student’s research activities. Eligibility criteria for the grant include identification as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and enrolment in a JCU Higher Degree Research program at one of JCU’s Australian Tropical Campuses (Townsville, Cairns or Online).

Previous winners

The inaugural winner of the SAGE grant was Tamara Sam in 2020, and Jesse King followed as the winner for 2021. Tammy and Jesse jointly carried out their presentations at the first seminar event organised by JCU Library and hosted by the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) in late 2021. Tamara’s research focused on “Staying afloat at school” – Academic buoyancy amongst Indigenous Secondary Students, while Jesse’s explored, “Does the Australian Curriculum: Technologies give a Foucault about First Nations Peoples?” Other winners included:

  • 2022 Georgia Storm: Focusing on Exploring Indigenous Cultural Competence in Legal Practitioner Client Relations
  • 2023 Gerry Turpin: Ethnobotanical Identification and Biological Activities of Selected Mbabaram Medicinal Plants
  • 2024 Linda Ford: Australian Aboriginal Women's Post-Sexual Assault, Engagement with Care Services
  • 2025 Jodie Mottram: Supporting a Healthy Kinship System for Indigenous Australian Infants: A Cultural Strengths Approach 

The Library looks forward to continuing to support JCU Indigenous Higher Degree by Research candidates for the foreseeable future. We are grateful to the Indigenous Education and Research Centre for their support in hosting the seminars, and the Graduate Research School in helping promote the Grant. 
 
For further information please contact Jayshree Mamtora, Manager, Education and Research Support, JCU Library 

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