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Our Vision is to safeguard the environment now for future generations.
We deliver the knowledge needed to halt and reverse environmental decline and ensure a future that is healthy, diverse and equitable.
We work to understand the functioning of and pressures facing biodiversity, water and ecosystem services, and to deliver solutions with partners to halt and reverse environmental decline in terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems across natural, production and urban landscapes.
Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) capability statement
Updated 8th September, 2025.
The Environment Institute has nationally important research expertise in marine, coast and freshwater ecosystem science, which is critical to understanding, monitoring, developing solutions, restoring and building future resilience to the unfolding algal bloom crisis impacting southern Australian coastal waters.
Support the Environment Institute’s research into the HAB
In a changing environmental landscape marked by environmental disasters and dividing debates, the Environment Institute’s systemic approach to complex environmental challenges brings together multidisciplinary teams across science, economics, law, psychology, health, philosophy, social science and engineering.
With researchers across all faculties of the University of Adelaide, the Environment Institute's multidisciplinary approach focuses on safe-guarding the planet, land, water and air resources delivering outcomes with industry government and community.
Hope and Wonder
The Hope and Wonder series is an informative collection of resources that includes public lectures, podcasts and events designed to inspire wonder in the natural world, while also providing hope that we can safeguard the environment.
Our research
The Environment Institute represents a diverse range of centres and programs, dedicated to making environmental change.
Our team
We have an enthusiastic team of researchers, dedicated to great research and results.
About us
Find out more about the Environment Institute, including our newsletters, annual reports and the latest research wins.
International Symposium on Green Urban Futures & Future Tree Workshop
Showcasing prominent international, national and local speakers to address challenges and discuss novel ways for cities around the world to achieve green urban futures. Held at the National Wine Centre, The University of Adelaide, 3 – 5 December 2025.
Member resources
Members of the Environment Institute are invited to use the resources available including images and templates.
Latest news
Global Collaboration in Action: United Nations Association x Environment Institute
The Environment Institute was honoured to host Jay Jethwa, Vice President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, whose visit strengthened connections between the UN system and universities, particularly around the Sustainable Development Goals. Jay also delivered a keynote address at the special event ‘Biodiversity Matters’, co-hosted with UNASA and DFAT. The event was MC’d by Martin Haese, opened by Dr Susan Close MP and convened by Institute Director Professor Andrew Lowe, the panel featured Jay Jethwa, Jill Collins (DFAT), Tim Jarvis AM, and Craig Wilkins, with closing remarks from The Hon. Robert Hill AC. The event was held in honour of Lidia Moretti, President of the South Australian chapter of the United Nations Associations.
Read more about United Nations Association x Environment Institute
How Hard is the Algal Bloom Hitting South Australia? Impacts on Marine Life & Humans
Our Environment Institute members have been active in the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) space. Discover the devastating effects of HABs on marine life, human health, and ecosystems. Learn which species are safe, the scale of destruction, and the solutions scientists are testing for recovery.
Read more about How Hard is the Algal Bloom Hitting South Australia? Impacts on Marine Life & Humans
What does the future hold for our planet?
In the latest issue of Lumen, Director Professor Andrew Lowe responds to alumni readers’ questions about the future, from climate change and biodiversity loss to water security and government inaction. At the Environment Institute, our researchers are working to create real solutions to these challenges — combining world-leading science, citizen engagement, and education to drive lasting impact.
Read more about What does the future hold for our planet?
National Threatened Species Day: Bob Croser ReBird The Ranges
September 7th is National Threatened Species Day, a significant day which also marks the death of the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger in Australia. The aim of this national day is to shed light on other native species that are at risk of having the same fate. At the Environment Institute, the Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Program is supporting research and hands-on restoration projects in the South Australian Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR). The Program works hand-in-hand with ReBird the Ranges and its network of partner organisations, all united by a shared passion for bringing back MLR woodland bird populations.
Read more about Bob Croser ReBird The Ranges04 Sep
Dr Nina Wootton Awarded 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award
Congratulations to Environment Institute member Dr Nina Wootton who was presented with 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award, by the Australian Academy of Science. Named in honour of the Dr Maxwell Frank Cooper Day AO FAA, who held strong beliefs towards interdisciplinary approach to research, this award provides funding to early career researchers. 03 Sep
Building International Partnerships: CIFOR-ICRAF
Dr Robert Nasi, Director of Science, Centre for International Forest and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), recently visited the Environment Institute at the university of Adelaide as we continue to build and strengthen our successful partnership with CIFOR-ICRAF. Robert is an Adjunct professor at the university of Adelaide and featured as a panellist at the 2025 EI Research Symposium session “partner connected research”. 02 Sep
South Australia Paving the Way to Reduce Plastic Pollution
South Australia has become the first place in the world to ban single-use plastic soy sauce containers, marking a major step in the fight against plastic pollution. Dr Nina Wootton, Environment Institute member, welcomed the move, highlighting the dangers of “convenience packaging” that is too small to recycle effectively. She hops other Australian states will adopt similar bans, positioning South Australia as a global leader in tackling single-use plastics. 29 Aug
The Harmful Algal Bloom – moving to finding a solution
As advised in a recent submission to the Australian Senate Inquiry into algal blooms in South Australia, researchers from the Environment Institute have recommended immediate actions. In the last month we produced and published the Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Capability statement to highlight this expertise, and help engagement with partners seeking to find solutions to the harmful algal bloom challenge. 27 Aug
Celebrating the First Ever World Lake Day: Why Lakes Matter
Today is the first ever United Nation’s World Lake Day. The need to protect our lakes and maintain their biodiversity is essential more than ever. Lakes play a key role in climate regulation, keeping our planet cool through absorbing floodwaters, and storing carbon. We’re highlighting the research of Environment Institute member Professor Justin Brookes and his colleagues. Their recently published study enhances our understanding of nitrogen removal mechanisms in both the water column and sediments of large shallow lakes. 26 Aug
2025 Environment Institute Research Symposium
We held our annual research symposium, bringing together over 120 attendees - research partners, stakeholders, Environment Institute members, higher degree research students, and EI Advisory Board members.This engaging, energised day provided connection and learnings related to the Institute’s nine Research Initiatives, our research capabilities, key partnered projects, as well as future opportunities and cross sector trends.
Upcoming events
03 Dec
International Symposium on Green Urban Futures & Future Tree Workshop
The International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, held by The University of Adelaide’s Environment Institute, in partnership with Green Adelaide and Treenet, will present prominent local, national and international speakers who will address existing and future urban challenges and offer solutions from various lens – policies and planning, trees and urban forests, biodiversity, social sciences and economics, public health, design and built environment, as well as education.
Newsletter & social media
Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out about new initiatives and share with your friends what's happening.