/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/pfas-breakthrough-say-goodbye-to-the-forever-chemical Research led by Dr Cameron Shearer is pioneering new ways to break down PFAS, the persistent “forever chemicals” 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. October 14 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/pfas-breakthrough-say-goodbye-to-the-forever-chemical /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/15-million-year-old-fossil-shells-reveal-traces-of-colour-patterns-in-south University of �������� 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. September 23 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/12/15-million-year-old-fossil-shells-reveal-traces-of-colour-patterns-in-south /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/global-collaboration-in-action-united-nations-association-x-environment 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. September 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/global-collaboration-in-action-united-nations-association-x-environment /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/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. September 04 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/dr-nina-wootton-awarded-2025-max-day-environmental-science-fellowship-award /environment/news/list/2025/08/26/2025-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. August 26 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/26/2025-environment-institute-research-symposium /environment/news/list/2025/09/17/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.   August 01 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/17/innovating-climate-risk-assessments-for-resilient-futures /environment/news/list/2025/08/13/adelaides-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. August 01 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/13/adelaides-shift-to-intense-downpours-and-rising-drought-risk /environment/news/list/2025/04/01/how-freshwater-transformed-the-coorongs-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.  April 01 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/04/01/how-freshwater-transformed-the-coorongs-microbial-world /environment/news/list/2024/11/28/new-arc-research-funding-over-19m-in-support-for-projects-led-by-members-of 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. November 28 2024 admin /environment/news/list/2024/11/28/new-arc-research-funding-over-19m-in-support-for-projects-led-by-members-of /environment/news/list/2024/11/13/new-study-to-investigate-pfas-in-australian-livestock The University of �������� is embarking on a critical national research project to understand the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian livestock. November 13 2024 admin /environment/news/list/2024/11/13/new-study-to-investigate-pfas-in-australian-livestock