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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.
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
National Wine Centre, The University of Adelaide, 3 – 5 December 2025.
Showcasing prominent international, national and local speakers to address challenges and discuss novel ways for cities around the world to achieve green urban futures. Includes: policy and planning; trees and urban forests; social sciences and economics; built environment; public health and education.
Member resources
Members of the Environment Institute are invited to use the resources available including images and templates.
Latest news
How the Past Helps Predict the Climate Future of Bowhead Whales
Environment Institute Deputy Director Damien Fordham and member Nicholas Freymueller, are part of an international team with the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen. They examined and reconstructed 11,700 years of bowhead whale ecological history, showing how climate change could erode up to 75% of foraging habitat by the end of the century.
Read more about How the Past Helps Predict the Climate Future of Bowhead Whales
Salt on the rise: What lagoon microbes reveal about the future of coastal ecosystems
When coastal lagoons degrade, it's not the fish that react first, it’s the microbes. Environment Institute member Dr Christopher Keneally has lead new research alongside Professor Justin Brookes, and with University of Adelaide academics Dr Virginie Gaget, Dr Stephen Kidd, Associate Professor Luke Mosley and Dr Daniel Chilton and Associate Professor David Welsh, have contributed to a global review exploring how microbial communities in coastal lagoons respond to rising salinity and nutrient stress. These microbes act as early warning systems, helping us detect and ideally prevent ecosystem collapse.
Read more about What lagoon microbes reveal about the future of coastal ecosystems
Professor Phil Cassey on the rising threat of reptile smuggling in Australia
Environment Institute Member and Wildlife Crime Research Hub Director Professor Phill Cassey has commented on the illegal smuggling of reptiles that is occurring in Australia.
Read more about Professor Phil Cassey on the rising threat of reptile smuggling in Australia
Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Supplementary Scholarships Now Available
Seeking six full-time PhD students to each receive an annual $10,000 top-up. Projects cover three priority research areas for woodland recovery in the Mt Lofty Ranges.
Read more about Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Supplementary Scholarships Now Available14 May Congratulations to Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray, Environment Institute member and research initiative lead for people, nature, climate, who has been selected by the Australian Government to represent Australia at a global IPBES workshop. 13 May
Learning fiery lessons for durable law reform: Recruiting now for a fully funded PhD project
This project will help to address a significant knowledge gap by examining what ‘better’ bushfire laws could look like in Australia. This PhD position is fully funded and includes a ‘top up’ stipend. Applications open until 30 July 2025 (or until position is filled). Candidate must commence by 30 September 2025. 09 May Environment Institute Deputy Director Associate Professor Damien Fordham will be a guest panellist for OCEAN with David Attenborough. Presented by Wild Earth Oceania (WEO), the event will take place on May 15 at 6:00 PM at Event Cinemas Marion. The screening will be followed by a Q&A panel discussion. 07 May
How Urban Greening is Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow
Environment Institute member and Lead of the Green Urban Futures Initiative, Professor Veronica Soebarto, has contributed to the recently published paper in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities journal Urban greening for climate resilient and sustainable cities: grand challenges and opportunities. 25 Apr
South Australian Biodiversity Under Threat from Ongoing Drought Crisis
Three Environment Institute members have featured in The Guardian, shedding light on how South Australia’s historic dry spell is impacting ecosystems. Dr Stefan Caddy-Retalic spoke on widespread tree dieback across the Adelaide Hills, Dr Jess Marsh raised alarms for the critically endangered Kangaroo Island assassin spider, and Dr Katja Hogendoorn warned of a looming collapse in native bee populations. 22 Apr
Is Australia Ready for a 20-Year Megadrought?
Australia’s droughts are becoming longer and more intense, new research from Dr Georgy Falster at the University of Adelaide suggests the country could face megadroughts lasting 20 or more years. Supported by an ARC DECRA Fellowship, Dr Falster is taking a holistic approach by combining historical data from tree rings, weather records, and climate models to better understand past droughts and predict future risks. Her work aims to improve national preparedness and ensure droughts don’t become disasters.
Upcoming events
26 Jun
Introducing Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Heard about environmental DNA, but not really sure what it is? Want to know more about what is, and isn’t, possible to do using environmental DNA?Wondering how you might use environmental DNA in your own work?
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.