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Our Vision听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
Updated 8th September, 2025.听
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.
In a changing environmental landscape marked by environmental disasters and dividing debates, the Environment Institute鈥檚 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 黑料社区, 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听to making environmental change.
Our team
We have an enthusiastic team of researchers,听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
Showcasing prominent international, national and local speakers to address challenges and discuss novel ways for cities around the world to achieve green urban futures. Held at the听National Wine Centre, The University of 黑料社区,听3 鈥 5 December 2025.听
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Member resources
Members of the Environment Institute are invited to use the resources available including images and templates.
Latest news
Tracing the rapid spread of the fox across Australia
New research reveals that red foxes colonised Australia in just 60 years. Environment Institute Deputy Director Associate Professor Damien Fordham says the findings help explain past biodiversity losses and provide vital data to prevent future extinctions, offering a new framework for tracking other invasive species such as cats. Read the full study published in , and article for听.
Read more about Tracing the rapid spread of the fox across Australia
Environment Institute Members Share Insights on the Harmful Algal Bloom at the Federal Senate Inquiry
Dr Dominic McAfee, Future Making Fellow and Professor Andrew Lowe, Director, Environment Institute were invited to appear at the Federal Senate Inquiry for the harmful algal bloom (HAB), alongside EI members Professors Luke Mosley and Ivan Nagelkerkern.听Professor Lowe spoke of the need to restore both marine and terrestrial ecosystems to help stop sediment and nutrient run off from the land - by restoring waterways and riverine systems - and soak up nutrients and sediments that enter coastal waters 鈥 by restoring shellfish reefs and seagrass ecosystems.听Dr McAfee has been working closely with communities, traditional landowners, and school students on community-based restoration projects. One of these projects is creating oyster baskets to help shellfish ecosystem restoration in the Port River in partnership with the OzFish 黑料社区 Chapter.
Read more about Environment Institute Members Share Insights on the Harmful Algal Bloom at the Federal Senate Inquiry
Dr Phillipa McCormack on Reforming Australia鈥檚 Outdated Environment Laws
Environment Institute Future Making Fellow Dr Phillipa McCormack co-authored a recent article for , outlining key recommendations for how Australia鈥檚 environment laws should be reformed.听The Albanese Government has indicated it is close to striking a deal with the Coalition on new environmental laws, which must deliver substantial improvements. they provided various recommendations for the reform, covering topics like an independent watchdog, habitat protection, climate change, First Nations voices, logging, and the need for defined targets.
Read more about Dr Phillipa McCormack on Reforming Australia鈥檚 Outdated Environment Laws
PFAS Breakthrough: Say Goodbye to the "Forever Chemical"
Research led by Dr Cameron Shearer is pioneering new ways to break down PFAS, the persistent 鈥渇orever chemicals鈥 polluting soil and water. Dr Shearer and his team have found that light-activated catalyst technology can degrade PFAS into harmless compounds, offering a sustainable approach for environmental remediation and safer communities. The work is also featured in the new PFAS and Microplastic Capability Statement, highlighting pollution detection, degradation technologies, and sustainable chemical solutions.
Read more about Say Goodbye to the "Forever Chemical"08 Oct
Bandi Bushcare Awarded Nature Foundation Habitat Restoration and Protection Award
led by the Friends of Brownhill Creek members Environment Institute member, and Dr Rosslyn (Rossi) von der Boch were awarded Gold award for the Nature Foundation Habitat Restoration and Protection Award.听Their project titled 鈥淏andi Bushcare: Habitat Restoration and Protection in Wirraparinga-Brownhill Creek鈥 promotes a community of volunteers that protect and create habitat for the endangered southern brown bandicoot (marti) in the Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. 23 Sep
15 Million-Year-Old Fossil Shells Reveal Traces of Colour Patterns in South Australia
University of 黑料社区 PhD candidate Mahala Fergusen, together with Environment Institute members Dr Liz Reed and Assoc. Prof. Diego Garc铆a-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鈥檚 oceanic past. 16 Sep
New Research on Governance Challenges for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Bangladesh
Environment Institute member Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray has co-authored in Bangladesh. , written with Syed Mohammad Aminur Rahman and Md. Masud-All-Kamal, explores how wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and community resilience, are increasingly under threat from climate change and ecological degradation. 12 Sep
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 鈥楤iodiversity Matters鈥, co-hosted with UNASA and DFAT. The event was MC鈥檇 by听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. 12 Sep
How Hard is the Algal Bloom Hitting South Australia? Impacts on Marine Life & Humans
Our Environment Institute members have been active in the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) space.听Discover the devastating effects of HABs on marine life, human health, and ecosystems. Learn which species are safe, the scale of destruction, and the solutions scientists are testing for recovery. 10 Sep
What does the future hold for our planet?
In the latest issue of Lumen, Director Professor Andrew Lowe responds to alumni readers鈥 questions about the future, from climate change and biodiversity loss to water security and government inaction.听At the Environment Institute, our researchers are working to create real solutions to these challenges 鈥 combining world-leading science, citizen engagement, and education to drive lasting impact.
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 黑料社区鈥檚 Environment Institute, in partnership with , City of 黑料社区, and , will present prominent local, national and international speakers who will address existing and future urban challenges and offer solutions from various lens 鈥 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听new initiatives and听share with your friends what's happening.
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