News: research
15 Million-Year-Old Fossil Shells Reveal Traces of Colour Patterns in South Australia
University of Adelaide PhD candidate Mahala Fergusen, together with Environment Institute members Dr Liz Reed and Assoc. Prof. Diego García-Bellido, examined fossil shells from the Murbko Marl. They discovered 18 different species responded to UV light, displaying stripes, bands, and chevrons that had been hidden for millions of years. Through the use of UV light, this study has provided a better understanding of molluscs but also a vivid reminder of South Australia’s oceanic past.
Global Collaboration in Action: United Nations Association x Environment Institute
The Environment Institute was honoured to host Jay Jethwa, Vice President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, whose visit strengthened connections between the UN system and universities, particularly around the Sustainable Development Goals. Jay also delivered a keynote address at the special event ‘Biodiversity Matters’, co-hosted with UNASA and DFAT. The event was MC’d by Martin Haese, opened by Dr Susan Close MP and convened by Institute Director Professor Andrew Lowe, the panel featured Jay Jethwa, Jill Collins (DFAT), Tim Jarvis AM, and Craig Wilkins, with closing remarks from The Hon. Robert Hill AC. The event was held in honour of Lidia Moretti, President of the South Australian chapter of the United Nations Associations.
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Dr Nina Wootton Awarded 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award
Congratulations to Environment Institute member Dr Nina Wootton who was presented with 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award, by the Australian Academy of Science. Named in honour of the Dr Maxwell Frank Cooper Day AO FAA, who held strong beliefs towards interdisciplinary approach to research, this award provides funding to early career researchers.
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2025 Environment Institute Research Symposium
We held our annual research symposium, bringing together over 120 attendees - research partners, stakeholders, Environment Institute members, higher degree research students, and EI Advisory Board members.This engaging, energised day provided connection and learnings related to the Institute’s nine Research Initiatives, our research capabilities, key partnered projects, as well as future opportunities and cross sector trends.
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Innovating Climate Risk Assessments for Resilient Futures
New research from Environment Institute members is helping reshape how we assess climate risk in complex, fast-changing systems. Led by Dr Seth Westra, head of our Climate and Environmental Risk Research Initiative, and co-authored by Professor Holger Maier, the study introduces a new context-aware climate risk assessment framework designed to tackle the systemic complexity of climate-sensitive environments.
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Adelaide’s Shift to Intense Downpours and Rising Drought Risk
New research led by Environment Institute member Assoc Prof Mark Thyer, with Prof Seth Westra and researchers from the Goyder Institute for Water Research, has revealed a major shift in our rainfall patterns. By analysing decades of weather station data, radar technology, and climate models, the team found Short, high-intensity downpours (10–60 minutes) are becoming more intense and annual rainfall is decreasing, raising the risk of drought. These shifts have big implications for flood preparedness and stormwater management.
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How Freshwater Transformed the Coorong's Microbial World
Environment Institute members Chris Keneally and Justin Brookes and their team have conducted groundbreaking research on how floods impact microbial communities in the Coorong Lagoon. Their study revealed that the 2022 flood not only reduced methane-producing microbes but also promoted beneficial bacterial growth, highlighting the vital role of freshwater flows in restoring ecological balance.
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New ARC research funding: Over $1.9M in support for projects led by members of the Environment Institute
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has announced funding outcomes for new projects in their Discovery Scheme that aim to advance Australia's knowledge and contribute to a wide range of scientific, environmental, and social benefits.
New study to investigate PFAS in Australian livestock
The University of Adelaide is embarking on a critical national research project to understand the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian livestock.
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Global wildlife enforcement – Policy, challenges, and opportunities for change
On 12 November, the Environment Institute was delighted to host a Special Seminar by Sheldon Jordan: Global Wildlife Enforcement – Policy, Challenges, and Opportunities for Change presented to the University of Adelaide's Research Community.
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