Professor Craig Franklin
Professor

Craig Franklin

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52355

Background

My lab investigates the physiological and behavioural responses of fish, frogs and reptiles to changing environmental conditions including assessing and predicting the impact of human-induced environmental change. A major thrust of this research is within the emerging field of Conservation Physiology. We are particularly interested in the capacity and plasticity of physiological systems (e.g. respiratory, cardiovascular, osmoregulatory, digestive and musculo-skeletal) to compensate and maintain performance under changing environmental conditions.

We combine lab-based experimental studies with fieldwork, and take an integrative approach that utilises ecological, behavioural, physiological and genomic methodologies. In the field we utilise remote sensing technology (acoustic and satellite telemetry, archival tags) to investigate the movement patterns and behaviours of animals in relation to environmental conditions.

Current projects include:

  • assessing the effects of increasing temperatures on sharks, frogs, turtles and crocodiles;
  • determining the physiological basis for the impact of increasing UV-B radiation on frogs;
  • diving behaviour and physiology of freshwater turtles and crocodiles;
  • acoustic and satellite tracking of sharks, turtles and crocodiles in Queensland;
  • regulation of physiological function in aestivating frogs

Availability

Professor Craig Franklin is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Animal physiological ecology Animal structure and function Biological Sciences Climate change impacts and adaptation Ecology Environmental Sciences Vertebrate biology Zoology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Canterbury
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Canterbury

Search Professor Craig Franklin’s works on UQ eSpace

427 works between 1985 and 2025
All (427) Journal Article (346) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (34) Book (6) Other Outputs (34) Edited Outputs (2)

1 - 20 of 427 works

2025

Journal Article

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

Briscoe, James, Franklin, Craig E., Gorelick, Daniel A., Patton, E. Elizabeth and Way, Michael (2025). Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times. Journal of Cell Science, 138 (6) jcs263970. doi: 10.1242/jcs.263970

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

2025

Journal Article

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

Briscoe, James, Franklin, Craig E., Gorelick, Daniel A., Patton, E. Elizabeth and Way, Michael (2025). Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times. Journal of Experimental Biology, 228 (6). doi: 10.1242/jeb.250455

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

2025

Journal Article

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

Briscoe, James, Franklin, Craig E., Gorelick, Daniel A., Patton, E. Elizabeth and Way, Michael (2025). Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times. Development, 152 (6). doi: 10.1242/dev.204757

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

2025

Journal Article

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

Briscoe, James, Franklin, Craig E., Gorelick, Daniel A., Patton, E. Elizabeth and Way, Michael (2025). Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times. Disease Models & Mechanisms, 18 (3). doi: 10.1242/dmm.052348

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

2025

Journal Article

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

Briscoe, James, Franklin, Craig E., Gorelick, Daniel A., Patton, E. Elizabeth and Way, Michael (2025). Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times. Biology Open, 14 (3) bio061972. doi: 10.1242/bio.061972

Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times

2025

Journal Article

Climate-induced shifts in crocodile body temperature impact behavior and performance

Barham, Kaitlin E., Frère, Céline H., Dwyer, Ross G., Baker, Cameron J., Campbell, Hamish A., Irwin, Terri R. and Franklin, Craig E. (2025). Climate-induced shifts in crocodile body temperature impact behavior and performance. Current Biology, 35 (5), 1164-1170.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.033

Climate-induced shifts in crocodile body temperature impact behavior and performance

2025

Journal Article

High protein diets improve the growth of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) at elevated temperatures

Nuic, Barbara, Bowden, Alyssa, Rombenso, Artur, Simon, Cedric, Franklin, Craig E., Jago, Matthew, Smullen, Richard and Cramp, Rebecca L. (2025). High protein diets improve the growth of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) at elevated temperatures. Aquaculture, 595 741485, 741485. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741485

High protein diets improve the growth of juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) at elevated temperatures

2025

Journal Article

2024: Reflections on a year of supporting and promoting our early-career researchers

Wright, Patricia A., Handel, Michaela J. P. and Franklin, Craig E. (2025). 2024: Reflections on a year of supporting and promoting our early-career researchers. Journal of Experimental Biology, 228 (2) jeb250180, 2. doi: 10.1242/jeb.250180

2024: Reflections on a year of supporting and promoting our early-career researchers

2025

Journal Article

Swimming with humans: biotelemetry reveals effects of “gold standard” regulated tourism on whale sharks

Reynolds, Samantha D., Redcliffe, James, Norman, Bradley M., Wilson, Rory P., Holton, Mark, Franklin, Craig E. and Dwyer, Ross G. (2025). Swimming with humans: biotelemetry reveals effects of “gold standard” regulated tourism on whale sharks. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 33 (1), 85-104. doi: 10.1080/09669582.2024.2314624

Swimming with humans: biotelemetry reveals effects of “gold standard” regulated tourism on whale sharks

2024

Journal Article

Effects of glutamine supplementation on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar metabolic performance at high temperatures

Nuic, Barbara, Bowden, Alyssa, Rombenso, Artur, Salini, Michael, Jago, Matthew K., Smullen, Richard, Franklin, Craig E. and Cramp, Rebecca L. (2024). Effects of glutamine supplementation on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar metabolic performance at high temperatures. Aquaculture Nutrition, 2024 (1) 6632942, 6632942. doi: 10.1155/anu/6632942

Effects of glutamine supplementation on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar metabolic performance at high temperatures

2024

Journal Article

Effects of climate warming on energetics and habitat of the world's largest marine ectotherm

Reynolds, Samantha D., Franklin, Craig E., Norman, Bradley M., Richardson, Anthony J., Everett, Jason D., Schoeman, David S., White, Craig R., Lawson, Christopher L., Pierce, Simon J., Rohner, Christoph A., Bach, Steffen S., Comezzi, Francesco G., Diamant, Stella, Jaidah, Mohammed Y., Robinson, David P. and Dwyer, Ross G. (2024). Effects of climate warming on energetics and habitat of the world's largest marine ectotherm. Science of the Total Environment, 951 175832, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175832

Effects of climate warming on energetics and habitat of the world's largest marine ectotherm

2024

Journal Article

Older amphibian larvae are more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and experience more sublethal carryover effects post‐metamorphosis

Lundsgaard, Niclas U., Franklin, Craig E. and Cramp, Rebecca L. (2024). Older amphibian larvae are more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and experience more sublethal carryover effects post‐metamorphosis. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology, 343 (2), 197-210. doi: 10.1002/jez.2882

Older amphibian larvae are more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and experience more sublethal carryover effects post‐metamorphosis

2024

Journal Article

Cooling down is as important as warming up for a large-bodied tropical reptile

Barham, Kaitlin E., Dwyer, Ross G., Frere, Celine H., Bentley, Lily K., Baker, Cameron J., Campbell, Hamish A., Irwin, Terri R. and Franklin, Craig E. (2024). Cooling down is as important as warming up for a large-bodied tropical reptile. Royal Society of London. Proceedings B. Biological Sciences, 291 (2034) 20241804, 1-12. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1804

Cooling down is as important as warming up for a large-bodied tropical reptile

2024

Journal Article

The integrative biology of the heart: mechanisms enabling cardiac plasticity

Joyce, William, Shiels, Holly A. and Franklin, Craig E. (2024). The integrative biology of the heart: mechanisms enabling cardiac plasticity. Journal of Experimental Biology, 227 (20) jeb249348. doi: 10.1242/jeb.249348

The integrative biology of the heart: mechanisms enabling cardiac plasticity

2024

Other Outputs

Dataset - Effects of glutamine supplementation on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar metabolic performance at high temperatures

Nuic Vidigal, Barbara, Franklin, Craig, Bowden, Alyssa and Cramp, Rebecca (2024). Dataset - Effects of glutamine supplementation on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar metabolic performance at high temperatures. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/4a2e78e

Dataset - Effects of glutamine supplementation on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar metabolic performance at high temperatures

2024

Journal Article

Active crocodiles are less sociable

Baker, Cameron J., Class, Barbara, Dwyer, Ross G., Franklin, Craig E., Campbell, Hamish A., Irwin, Terri R. and Frère, Céline H. (2024). Active crocodiles are less sociable. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 379 (1912) 20220528, 20220528. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0528

Active crocodiles are less sociable

2024

Other Outputs

Effects of high protein versus high lipid diet on juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer, performance at elevated temperature

Nuic Vidigal, Barbara, Franklin, Craig, Bowden, Alyssa and Cramp, Rebecca (2024). Effects of high protein versus high lipid diet on juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer, performance at elevated temperature. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/91eeb67

Effects of high protein versus high lipid diet on juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer, performance at elevated temperature

2024

Journal Article

Considering ultraviolet radiation in experimental biology: a neglected pervasive stressor

Hird, Coen, Lundsgaard, Niclas U., Downie, Adam T., Cramp, Rebecca L. and Franklin, Craig E. (2024). Considering ultraviolet radiation in experimental biology: a neglected pervasive stressor. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 227 (16) jeb247231, 1-7. doi: 10.1242/jeb.247231

Considering ultraviolet radiation in experimental biology: a neglected pervasive stressor

2024

Journal Article

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar do not prioritize digestion when energetic budgets are constrained by warming and hypoxia

Nuic, Barbara, Bowden, Alyssa, Franklin, Craig E. and Cramp, Rebecca L. (2024). Atlantic salmon Salmo salar do not prioritize digestion when energetic budgets are constrained by warming and hypoxia. Journal of Fish Biology, 104 (6), 1718-1731. doi: 10.1111/jfb.15693

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar do not prioritize digestion when energetic budgets are constrained by warming and hypoxia

2024

Journal Article

Looking beyond the mean: quantile regression for comparative physiologists

Hird, Coen, Barham, Kaitlin and Franklin, Craig E. (2024). Looking beyond the mean: quantile regression for comparative physiologists. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 227 (5) jeb247122. doi: 10.1242/jeb.247122

Looking beyond the mean: quantile regression for comparative physiologists

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Between a hot place & hypoxia: Quantifying fish-kill risk in inland rivers (ARC Linkage Project administered by The University of Western Australia)
    University of Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2031
    Crocodile behaviour and ecology research
    Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022
    Fish response to chronic hypoxia
    Queensland Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Between and Hot Place and Hypoxia: Modelling to support climate adaptation of Queensland's inland river waterholes (Qld Department of Environment and Science grant administered by UWA)
    University of Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Future-proofing the salmon farming industry through feeds for thermal tolerance (CRC-P administered by Ridley Agriproducts)
    Ridley AgriProducts Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    Environmental and physiological drivers of immune function in frogs
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Advanced imaging with wide spectrum molecular, quantitative and morphological applications in biological research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Maximising Conservation outcomes for Shark and Ray MPAs
    James Cook University
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2022
    Movement ecology of elasmobranches
    Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Towards a high-throughput metabolic phenotyping capability for production animals and plants
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2022
    Can dietary supplements increase the thermal tolerance of fish?
    Ridley AgriProducts Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Optimising fishways and environmental water release strategies
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Designing effective fish-friendly waterway culverts: integration of hydrodynamics and swimming performance
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Coping with Climate Change: can diet be used to change the thermal phenotype and improve the immunocompetency of aquaculture species?
    Ridley AgriProducts Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Extreme acid tolerance: Overcoming the challenges of life at low pH
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2021
    NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub
    National Environmental Science Program
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2018
    Investigating movement, distribution, abundance and diet to support management objectives for threatened riverine predators in Northern Australia
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Optimising fishway operations and water storage management regimes - migratory responses to flow
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    How does the interaction between environmental drivers determine the impact of global change on animals?
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Optimising hydrology and asset management regimes in the Logan and Mary river systems (SEQWater 2013-14 Work Plan Project)
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Lungfish Management Plan Research (as part of the amended 2012-2013 Seqwater Work Plan)
    Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as Seqwater
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Scientific review of the DEHP's estuarine crocodile abundance and distribution data and methodology
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Integrating acoustic telemetry and predictive modelling to define critical habitats for threatened species in the Mary River, Queensland
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    OzTrack - eResearch Tools for the storage, analysis and visualisation of animal tracking data
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Swimming Performance of Fish: Applications to Fish Passage Requirements at Man-made Barriers
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Living in a changing climate: The impacts of temperature during aestivation on burrowing frogs
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Movement Patterns and behavioural strategies of Estuarine Crocodiles: A long-term remote monitoring study using an underwater acoustic array
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Predicting the Impact of Damming on the Endangered Mary River Turtle
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Improving the growth rate and flesh quality of cultured Barramundi: Investigating the effects of temperature, diet, and population
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Tracking crocodiles in 3-dimensions: A remote monitoring study of movement patterns and diving behaviour
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2011
    The inhibition of muscle disuse atrophy in burrowing frogs
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    The Effect of Development Temperature on Growth and Condition of Barramundi
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Physiological Thermoregulation and Cardiovascular Function in Reptiles
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Inhibition Of Muscle Disuse Atrophy In Burrowing Frogs: Role Of Neurotransmission, Endogenous Opiates And Antioxidants
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Diving behaviour and performance of Elseya sp. from the Burnett River, Queensland
    Queensland Environmental Protection Agency
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Regulation of salt gland activity in the estuarine crocodile: phenotypic plasticity and control mechanisms.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Investigation of the osmoregulatory plasticity in the euryhaline bullshark, Carcharhinus Leucas
    Univerity of St Andrews
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Validation of the use of multiple frequency electrical impedence to assess body condition in wildlife
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2000
    The importance of soil type and cocoon formation in aestivating desert frogs.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Diving Capabilities and Physiology of Cloacal Breathing Turtles: Conservation Implications of Habitat Disturbance
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    A filed telemetric study of the diving behaviours and capabilities of the Fitzroy River Turtle
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Cardiovascular dynamics and control during exercise in the saltwater crocodile
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Locomotor performance and muscle characteristics of aestivating frogs
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Phenotypic plasticity of plastic responses: the effect of predators on thermal acclimation of locomotor performance in the striped marsh frog
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1999
    Experimental Conservation Genetics of Rainbowfish
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Cardiovascular physiology of crocodiles
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1997
    Circulatory Physiology of Antartic Fish
    Quality Funds Round 3
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Morphology and ultrastructure of crocodilian osmoregulatory tissues
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Craig Franklin is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Craig Franklin directly for media enquiries about:

  • Amphibians
  • Antarctica - ecology
  • Climate change
  • Conservation biology
  • Crocodiles
  • Diving
  • Environment and wildlife
  • Evolution - fish and reptiles
  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Reptiles
  • Sharks
  • Turtles
  • UV radiation

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