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A Message From Our Director
Each of these initiatives speaks directly to our vision—to safeguard the environment now for future generations—and to our mission of delivering the knowledge needed to halt and reverse environmental decline across terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems, through collaboration, scientific leadership, and a focus on real-world solutions. With a multidisciplinary community spanning all faculties of the University of Adelaide, our strength lies in how we bring together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to drive real outcomes in biodiversity, water, and ecosystem services.
I encourage you to continue engaging with us. Share your stories, pitch your ideas, and let us know what matters to you. This newsletter is one way we stay connected with the community that helps power our work, and your voice makes it stronger.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to protecting our environmental future.
Prof. Andy Lowe
Director,
Environment Institute
Recap of Our Recent Activities
In February, the University of Adelaide Research Tuesdays Lecture Series featured "Preserving Biodiversity" - a crisis our world can't afford to ignore any longer. Guests attending this public lecture heard how invasive species impact all aspects of our ecosystems, particularly threatening our native species and driving our mammals to extinction.
To watch the presentation and panel discussion featuring Professor Andy Lowe, Professor Michelle Waycott, Dr Adam Toomes, and Professor Paul Thomas, click here.
Photo: Prof Michelle Waycott, Prof Andy Lowe, Dr Adam Toomes, Prof Paul Thomas.
Eat The Invaders
Wow what an event! The Environment Institute’s Eat The Invaders screening and panel discussion drew more than 200 people together. Questions to the panel challenged and invited though-provoking conversations around what can be done to help protect our native animals against invasive species.
We thank our panellists Professor Phill Cassey, Jaana Dielenberg, and Dr Alexandra Ross, and facilitator Professor Andy Lowe. We also thank all those who attended - members of the public, University of Adelaide students, staff, alumni, partners and friends.
Thank you to our partners at Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), Biodiversity Council (BC), Australian Broadcasting Corporation Impact and Partnerships, and Closer Productions Pty Ltd - Matthew Bate and Poppy Fitzpatrick.
Stream the panel discussion now, click here.
Photo: Prof Andy Lowe (Environment Institute), Jaana Dielenberg (BC), Dr Alexandra Ross (AWC), Mattew Bate (Closer Productions), Prof Phill Cassey (Environment Institute), Poppy Fitzpatrick (Closer Productions)
World Wildlife Day
As part of United Nations World Wildlife Day, 3 March, John Scanlon AO, a global environmental leader and Professor Phill Cassey, Environment Institute and Head of the Wildlife Crime Research, presented at Adelaide Zoo. The discussion focussed on the scale, nature, and impact of wildlife crime on global biodiversity, as well as the efforts being made to prevent and combat these crimes.
Whilst in Adelaide, John Scanlon AO joined Prof Andy Lowe in conversation, creating the EcoFuturist podcast: How to drive change in wildlife protection.
Stream the episode now, click here.
Photo: centre (L-R) - Elaine Bensted, Chief Executive of Zoos South Australia, John Scanlon AO, and Prof Phill Cassey, with Adelaide Zoo colleagues.
Science Meets Parliament
We supported eight of our Environment Institute members to attend and celebrate 25 years of the Science & Technology Australia Science Meets Parliament Parliament, February 2025. This annual event builds collaboration and connections between the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector and the nation’s policy makers and Parliamentarians.
Our Environment Institute members had a fantastic experience, with one participant sharing, "SMP has given me better insight into how science and research link in with parliament and policy."
Photo: Members of the broader University of Adelaide delegation, including Environment Institute members, at SMP2025.
Research Excellence
Stay up to date with recent research excellence via the Environment Institute Blog!
Recent Blog Highlights:
Students Discover New Insects Thanks to Citizen Science
FAO Launches Forest Genetic Resources Report
Reflections of World Water Day 2025
How To Be A “Climate Prepper” 20th Uraidla Sustainability Fair
World Water Day 2025 'Glacier Preservation' with Tim Jarvis
AI & Digital Twins: The future of Farming
The Woolly Mouse and The Future of De-Extinction
Environment Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Science Meets Parliament
Ancient DNA Uncovering the Secret Past of Penguins
Millions of Locusts Threaten NSW: What You Need to Know
How To Drive Change In Wildlife Protection with John E. Scanlon AO
World Wildlife Day with Wildlife Crime Experts
Championing Conservation: Dr Nina Wootton Recognised for Environmental Research Excellence
EcoFuturists – Listen Now
Episode 19: How To Drive Change In Wildlife Protection
As the biodiversity crisis worsens, we find ourselves asking: is it too late to turn this urgent issue around? In the newest episode of Eco Futurists, hosted by Professor Andrew Lowe, he is joined by international environmental leader John Scanlon AO, who’s dedicated his career to protecting wildlife and ecosystems. John shares insights on what’s working, what’s not, and where we need bold action. From the fight to save elephants to the crucial role of finance, law, and technology, he
unpacks the biggest challenges in conservation today.
Episode 18: Can we really eat the invaders?
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) TV series Eat The Invaders asks a bold question: Can we eat our way out of Australia’s invasive species crisis? Professor Andrew Lowe chats with Matthew Bate and Poppy Fitzpatrick from Closer Productions PTY LTD about their creative approach to tackling complex environmental issues. Together, they explore how storytelling and filmmaking can transform urgent sustainability challenges into thought-provoking conversations that drive action.
Steering Sustainability Podcast
The FAME (Foci and Magnets for Excellence) Sustainability Strategy is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that foster sustainability, equity, and prosperity for both people and the planet, driven by cutting-edge research. Through FAME, leading researchers and partners are achieving transformative outcomes for industries, governments, and communities across the State and Nation.
As part of this program, Professor Andy Lowe, Director, Environment Institute leads Research Mission 3: Planetary Health and Biodiversity Restoration. This mission focuses on restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and addressing climate change through practical, research-informed action.
Aligned with the University’s Sustainability Strategy 2030 – Here for Good, FAME’s work reinforces the vital connection between healthy environments and community wellbeing.
Upcoming Events
International Symposium on Green Urban Futures & Future Tree Workshop
This symposium will showcase international, national and local speakers to address the challenges and discuss novel ways for Adelaide and other cities around the world to achieve green urban futures, from various lenses – policy and planning; trees and urban forests; social sciences and economics; built environment; public health and education. The draft program and speaker profiles have been released for this two-day symposium at the National Wine Centre 3 – 4 December 2025. Registrations will open soon. For updates and details, read more here.
Feedback and Submissions
Please contact us to provide feedback; propose an Impact Story; submit any upcoming events.
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The Environment Institute
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The University of Adelaide
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T: +61 8 8313 0543
E: environment@adelaide.edu.au
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