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ISER leads globally transformative research that overcomes complexity, drives change, and creates value for a more sustainable future.
We are the brand champion of University of Adelaide wide initiatives and the key portal of research capabilities within sustainability, energy and resources.
Our role
We provide a platform for research innovation, leadership, and partnership from our experts across all Faculties and Institutes; and coordinate the University’s Sustainability Research Strategy.
Our vision
Developing and accelerating solutions that deliver sustainability, equity and prosperity for the planet and its people, underpinned by breakthrough research.
Our mission
To lead globally transformative research that overcomes complexity, drives change, and creates value for a more sustainable future.
Our capabilities
Discover our capabilities and expertise in energy systems and across the entire minerals value chain.
Our research centres
Learn more about our world leading research centres.
News and events
Keep up to date with the latest news and events.
Looking for an expert in a sustainability-related field?
The University of Adelaide's priority is to share knowledge and support the global response to the world's biggest challenges.
Find an expert to help you reshape technologies, products, policies and practices that support sustainable development goals, locally and globally.
Find a course or program related to any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and your preferred area of knowledge or expertise.
Staff Resources
Request research support, join our mailing list or be part of our SDG portal.
Featured story
Dr Tracey Dodd
Dr Dodd's expertise spans renewable energy, corporate governance, sustainability, social and environmental policy. All of them, crucial areas to pave the way for the transition to renewable energy.
Her research related to the closure of an ageing coal-fired power station analysed the gamut of regulatory and social factors impacting on the community's and policymakers' acceptance required to move ahead.
Learn more about this eye-opening story by clicking the button below.
(If you want to be featured in this space, please contact ISER)
FAME Sustainability Strategy

The FAME (Foci And Magnets for Excellence) Sustainability Strategy is aimed at developing and accelerating solutions that deliver sustainability, equity and prosperity for the planet and its people, underpinned by breakthrough research.
Our research across the University’s Faculties and Research Institutes has the capability to drive the agenda outlined in the FAME Sustainability Strategy, under five research missions (RMs):
Featured opportunities
Copper for Tomorrow CRC bid
Copper is essential in our transition to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. It’s a sustainable copper paradox: how do we increase the production of copper needed for society, and do so by processing lower grade ores, without using more energy and water, and producing more waste? The proposed Copper For Tomorrow CRC (for submission in 2022) will bring together industry and researchers to solve this challenge while helping companies to achieve their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals and remain profitable.
Hydrogen CRC bid
The Hydrogen CRC Bid (for submission in 2022) is on track to become the largest single initiative in the country’s history focused on supporting the development of the emerging Australian hydrogen sector. It will provide much needed resources, capabilities, linkages and partners that can accelerate and de-risk the developing hydrogen industry and related projects. CRC’s are industry led and driven and your input is essential in to ensuring the bid addresses industry needs.
Building a critical mass of people and knowlege in critically important minerals
The Critical Mineral Research Centre is the go-to group for multidisciplinary research programs. It is the only one of its kind in Australia, and one of only a few worldwide. We cover end-to-end critical minerals research and education, from early prospectivity analyses to resource definition to mineral processing.
Heavy industry low-carbon transition (HILT) CRC
For Australia’s heavy industry sector to not only survive, but thrive over the coming decades with improved technological capabilities and cost competitiveness. HILT CRC will enable our heavy industry sector to compete in the low-carbon global economy for carbon-neutral materials such as ‘green’ iron, alumina, cement and other processed minerals. HILT CRC will focus on developing technologies and methods that overcome barriers to the low-carbon transition, which include the unacceptable risks of untested innovations that could jeopardise equipment, production and/or worker safety. The University of Adelaide is a core partner of the CRC.
Latest news
06 Sep
ISER's New Featured Story - Dr Tracey Dodd
In this occasion, we are excited to present an eye-opening story based on Dr. Tracey Dodd's research. An unmissable story for sure! 03 Aug
Prof. Melissa Nursey-Bray appointed as Deputy Director Sustainability Research, ISER
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray from the School of Social Sciences in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics (ABLE), as Deputy Director Sustainability Research at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources (ISER). 07 Jul
ISER-sponsored Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) bids progressed to stage 2
We are very pleased to announce that two of the CRC bids led by The University of Adelaide and sponsored by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources (ISER) have been invited to Stage 2 of the CRC Round 24 application process. 01 Jun
First University of Adelaide Sustainability Conference
On June 15th, this event will bring together researchers and students to explore innovative ideas and strategies for a sustainable future.
Make a donation
An exciting tomorrow is there for the making – more efficient, more productive and environmentally sustainable. We would welcome the chance to shape it with you.
Please consider donating to our research. All funds directly support ISERs' research efforts.