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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 South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health
Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South Australia's coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Professor Dominic McAfee described the event as an “underwater bushfire,” urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities.
Read more about How South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health
Fighting for Cape York’s Future
Dr Ania Kotarba, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, has co-authored a recent piece for The Conversation calling for Cape York to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drawing on her experience as a former member of the ICOMOS World Heritage Nomination Bids Review Panel, Ania brings deep expertise in cultural heritage and conservation. Her research focuses on partnerships with Aboriginal communities, particularly within the Kaurareg Archipelago, and highlights the importance of meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners in protecting Cape York’s globally significant landscapes.
Read more about Fighting for Cape York’s Future
Biodiversity Win: South Australia’s New Act Sets a National Benchmark for Environmental Protection
Future Making Fellow Dr. Philippa McCormack, writing in The Conversation, praised South Australia's new Biodiversity Act as a bold step forward, noting that “nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes,” while also addressing long-standing gaps between national and state responsibilities.
Read more about South Australia’s New Act Sets a National Benchmark for Environmental Protection
What Do Bees and Bandicoots Have in Common?
A surprise discovery of Southern Brown Bandicoots by Dr Jasmin Packer led to the creation of Bandi Bush Care with The Bee Hub. The group works gently to restore native habitat and protect wildlife, blending science, culture, and community care in one of Adelaide’s busiest parks.
Read more about What Do Bees and Bandicoots Have in Common?12 Jun
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. 11 Jun
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. 10 Jun
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. 05 Jun
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. 30 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.
Upcoming events
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.