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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.
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.
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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.
[Read more about Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Supplementary Scholarships Now Available]
Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray selected as Australian Government Representative for Global IPBES Workshop
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.
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.
Deputy Director Damien Fordham Joins Screening and Panel Discussion for OCEAN with David Attenborough Event
Environment Institute Deputy Director Associate Professor Damien Fordham will be a guest panellist for OCEAN with David Attenborough. Presented by Wild Earth Oceania (WEO), the event will take place on May 15 at 6:00 PM at Event Cinemas Marion. The screening will be followed by a Q&A panel discussion.
How Urban Greening is Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow
Environment Institute member and Lead of the Green Urban Futures Initiative, Professor Veronica Soebarto, has contributed to the recently published paper in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities journal Urban greening for climate resilient and sustainable cities: grand challenges and opportunities.
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South Australian Biodiversity Under Threat from Ongoing Drought Crisis
Three Environment Institute members have featured in The Guardian, shedding light on how South Australia’s historic dry spell is impacting ecosystems. Dr Stefan Caddy-Retalic spoke on widespread tree dieback across the Adelaide Hills, Dr Jess Marsh raised alarms for the critically endangered Kangaroo Island assassin spider, and Dr Katja Hogendoorn warned of a looming collapse in native bee populations.
[Read more about South Australian Biodiversity Under Threat from Ongoing Drought Crisis]
Is Australia Ready for a 20-Year Megadrought?
Australia’s droughts are becoming longer and more intense, new research from Dr Georgy Falster at the University of Adelaide suggests the country could face megadroughts lasting 20 or more years. Supported by an ARC DECRA Fellowship, Dr Falster is taking a holistic approach by combining historical data from tree rings, weather records, and climate models to better understand past droughts and predict future risks. Her work aims to improve national preparedness and ensure droughts don’t become disasters.
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New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin
Environment Institute member Dr Fiona Whelan and Associate Professor Stephen Bell, have developed a new sustainable method to repurpose lignin waste. Using an enzyme from the bacterium Amycolatopsis thermoflava, they’ve created a more environmentally friendly way to break down lignin, a common by-product from forestry.
[Read more about New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin]
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