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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
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.
Read more about New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in Australians
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.
Read more about What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution
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.
Read more about Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation
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.
Read more about Uncovering Hidden Bees in Australia22 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. 16 May
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. 14 May
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. 14 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.
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.