Home
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
Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact
Professor Phill Cassey spoke to ABC Online about a recent petition in Queensland calling for stricter domestic cat ownership laws, highlighting the devastating impact free-roaming cats have on native Australian wildlife.
Read more about Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact
Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in Australia
Professor Wayne Boardman spoke to ABC Online about the looming threat of H5N1 bird flu, warning of its potential to devastate Australian wildlife, including vulnerable sea lion populations.
Read more about Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in Australia
Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize
Dr Alice Jones,member of the Environment Institute, has been awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize for her leading role in advancing blue carbon conservation through collaborative, impact-driven research.
Read more about Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize
NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers
Today, on World Environment Day, the Environment Institute is proudly launching NEST - the Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers. NEST is a new network facilitated by the 2025 Future Leaders Committee of the Environment Institute and is tailored for higher-degree and early-career researchers within the University of Adelaide.
Read more about NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers30 May
New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in Australians
Dr Cameron Shearer has commented on a recent announcement by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as they have shared new data of a voluntary survey conducted by the ABS’ National Health Measures on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels. The new data creates a baseline of PFAS levels in Australians, that can support deeper research into the possible harm the chemicals can cause. 29 May
What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution
Environment Institute member Dr Yassine Souilmi and his team at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA are challenging what we thought we knew about human adaptation. Their 2022 study, now spotlighted by SCIAM, analysed over 1,100 ancient genomes to uncover powerful genetic adaptations many of which have been erased from modern DNA due to population mixing. 28 May
Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation
Jaclyn Wilmot is an Honours student at the University of Adelaide, and student affiliate at the Environment Institute under the supervision of Dr Ilaine Matos, Environment Institute member. She is investigating the challenges of restoring of Maireana sedifolia (pearl bluebush), a native shrub critical to post-mining revegetation in South Australia’s arid zone. Jaclyn shares insights into the complexities of pearl bluebush reproduction, the importance of soil nutrients like nitrogen, and the potential of nature-based solutions to support seed production. Her work highlights the value of science-led restoration and the future of sustainable land management in mining landscapes. 27 May
Uncovering Hidden Bees in Australia
Dr Katja Hogendoorn, Environment Institute member, has contributed to a new study that has discovered 71 new Australian resin pot bees. This research has just been published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 22 May
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. 20 May
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.
Upcoming events
26 Jun
Introducing Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Hear from University of Adelaide researchers as the lead you through the what, where, why and how of environmental DNA, and present case studies of how they have used environmental DNA to address a wide range of applied questions. The event will conclude with a Q & A session and networking. 19 Jul
Planting day on the Fleurieu Peninsula - NEST
Over 50% of Australia's endangered plant and animal species are on private property, placing a large burden on landholders to safe guard Australia's biodiversity. This event will be supporting landholders in restoring the critically endangered Fleurieu Swamps. You will be learning effective restoration techniques, planting rare and critically endangered plants back into their original home and have an opportunity to connect with fellow HDRs and early-career post-docs, and the landholders often at the centre of the biodiversity crisis. 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.