News and Events

‘Taxonomy – the benefits of naming nature’, explores the importance of taxonomy and how it can lead to an increase in society valuing nature. It’s estimated that 70 per cent of Australian and New Zealand species remain undiscovered, unnamed and undocumented.  The Taxonomy Australia decadal plan seeks to use new and emerging technologies, develop key infrastructure, and […]

Woodland birds are disappearing from the Mount Lofty Ranges at an alarming rate, University of Adelaide research shows, and scientists say the trend is a sign that the ecosystem is on the verge of collapse. Over the past 20 years, the number of woodland birds at monitoring sites has halved. Member of the Environment Institute, […]

There is a growing body of evidence that exposure to green space is good for our health but a new study from the University of Adelaide has found that this may equally be due to how much light we are exposed to at night. Spending time in green space can improve depressive symptoms, obesity, and […]

We are delighted ​Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries has been recognised for her PhD in discovering and describing new species of parasitoid wasps to better document and understand our biodiversity. Dr Fagan-Jeffries completed her PhD at the University of Adelaide in 2019 and is dedicated to discovering and describing new species of parasitoid wasps to better document and understand […]

With two articles in the journal, Professor Hill is making waves in the world of Botany. This special edition of the Australian Journal of Botany, contains papers that trace the origins and extent of the current arid-adapted vegetation and demonstrate just how well adapted to the modern conditions the species that make up this vegetation now […]

Environment Institute members give virtual presentation in SA Museum’s Sprigg Lecture series. Professor Andy Austin has 40 years’ experience working on the systematics and biogeography of Australian terrestrial arthropods and has published extensively on insects, arachnids and crustaceans, having described over 450 species of insects and arachnids. Professor Steve Donnellan is Chief Research Scientist of the Evolutionary […]

Researchers have found that in reliably identifying similar warming events of the past, future climate change effects can be forecast, helping predict the best way of protecting species and ecosystems. ”Reference periods in Earth’s history serve as natural laboratories for understanding biodiversity responses to climate change and improving strategies for conservation under ongoing and future climate […]

The taskforce will provide independent advice on the coordination of activities to benefit South Australia’s wildlife and habitat recovery effort. Professor Bob Hill, University of Adelaide has joined the Wildlife and Habitat Recovery Taskforce and will bring a wealth of knowledge with his palaeobotany background and particularly, deep interest in Australian botany. Professor Hill visited […]

The recent shocking sequence of bushfires across the southern and eastern coast of Australia has surprised all of us. Locally, in South Australia, we have experienced some extremely challenging times. The impacts of these fires will be felt for decades to come and the response to them will be complex. I have been involved in […]

Active Chair of the National Landcare Network, Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor spoke to Canberra Times about Landcare being the social movement for change over the past 30 years. Tens of thousands of Australians join Landcare as a way to actively participate and give back to the community. Working in the environment allows them to feel connected […]