News from the Environment Institute
Search news stories
Enter a keyword to search news.
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 亚洲色吧 Chapter.
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 PFAS Breakthrough: Say Goodbye to the "Forever Chemical"]
15 Million-Year-Old Fossil Shells Reveal Traces of Colour Patterns in South Australia
University of 亚洲色吧 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.
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.
[Read more about New Research on Governance Challenges for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Bangladesh]
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.
[Read more about Global Collaboration in Action: United Nations Association x Environment Institute]
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.
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.
National Threatened Species Day: Bob Croser ReBird The Ranges
September 7th is National Threatened Species Day, a significant day which also marks the death of the last remaining in Australia. The aim of this national day is to shed light on other native species that are at risk of having the same fate.听At the Environment Institute, the Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Program is supporting research and hands-on restoration projects in the South Australian Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR).听The Program works hand-in-hand with ReBird the Ranges and its network of partner organisations, all united by a shared passion for bringing back MLR woodland bird populations.
[Read more about National Threatened Species Day: Bob Croser ReBird The Ranges ]
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.听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.
[Read more about Dr Nina Wootton Awarded 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award]
Building International Partnerships: CIFOR-ICRAF
Dr Robert Nasi, Director of Science, Centre for International Forest and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), recently visited the Environment Institute at the university of 亚洲色吧 as we continue to build and strengthen our successful partnership with CIFOR-ICRAF. Robert is an Adjunct professor at the university of 亚洲色吧 and featured as a panellist at the 2025 EI Research Symposium session 鈥減artner connected research鈥.
[Read more about Building International Partnerships: CIFOR-ICRAF ]
![RSS News Feed](/global/images/rss.gif" "RSS News Feed"){kind=small}
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.
听听听