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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
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
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
Harmful Algal Blooms and Human Wellbeing Impact
The harmful algal bloom (HAB) affecting our coastal waters in recent months is more than an environmental problem, it’s a public health, economic, and community wellbeing crisis. Its effects are rippling through coastal communities, disrupting livelihoods in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism while posing direct threats to physical health, from respiratory irritation to eye and skin discomfort. Hear what our Environment Institute members have said.
Read more about Harmful Algal Blooms and Human Wellbeing Impact
An 'Underwater Bushfire' Sparks Urgent Calls Urgent Calls for Action in South Australia
Environment Institute Members are at the forefront of the algal bloom crisis, with the federal government announcing $14 million funding packing to help South Australia. We are fortunate enough to house leading expert researchers that have been on the front foot to inform the media and government about about the impacts and implications of the agal bloom.
Read more about An 'Underwater Bushfire' Sparks Urgent Calls Urgent Calls for Action in South Australia
Uncovering The Truth About Sea Snakes
ABC’s brand new nature series 'Dr Ann’s Secret Lives' follows presenter Dr Ann as she ventures into the wild with leading scientists to uncover the fascinating and often hidden behaviours of some of the world’s most elusive creatures. In Episode 2, Dr Ann joins Associate Professor Kate Sanders, Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, and their team in Dampier Marine Park to explore the secret lives of these mysterious marine reptiles.
NEST Planting Day Success
We’re proud to have supported the first event through NEST this past weekend, an inspiring day of hands-on conservation, community connection, and collaborative learning. Over 2000 rare and endangered plants were successfully planted across 16 properties, restoring swamps and riparian zones with the help of 35+ student and researcher volunteers and 30+ landholders.
05 Aug
Two Environment Institute Members Win 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards
We’re proud to share that Environment Institute researchers Dr Georgina Falster and Dr Nina Wootton have been recognised with South Australia’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards! Dr Falster studies how Australian droughts are changing by tracing shifts in the water cycle using climate data and isotopes. Dr Wootton investigates the impacts of plastic pollution on seafood species and works with industry to drive sustainable change. 16 Jul
Tickets Now Available for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures
Registration is now open for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, taking place at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, on 3–4 December 2025. Presented by the Environment Institute, in partnership with Green Adelaide and Treenet, the symposium is chaired by Professor Veronica Soebarto, initiative lead of Green Urban Futures and Planetary Health at the Environment Institute. 15 Jul
100 Years of The Koonamore Project
The Koonamore Project based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation. 10 Jul
Applying the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle in Australia
At the IUCN Species Survival Symposium, Dr Jess Marsh co-led a workshop and joined a panel discussion focused on applying the IUCN species conservation cycle—assess, plan, and act—to support national conservation efforts. These three steps work together: assessing species' status, planning tailored strategies, and—most critically—acting on the ground to deliver conservation outcomes. Each step is essential to preventing extinction, especially for data-poor or hyper-diverse taxa like fungi and invertebrates. 09 Jul
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 Dr 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. 01 Jul
What Border Seizures Tell Us About the Transnational Shark Trade
Environment Institute members Dr Patrick Reis-Santos, Professor Phill Cassey, Professor Bronwyn Gillanders, and PhD Candidate Josephine Lingard recently published a new paper looking at the transnational shark trade, showing what they've uncovered as a cause for concern. With over one-third of shark species now threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing and international trade, this study provides new insights into the personal use trade of shark products through Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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.