News: Environment Institute
Fighting for Cape York’s Future
Dr Ania Kotarba, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, has co-authored a recentpiece for The Conversation calling for Cape York to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drawing on her experience as a former member of the ICOMOS World Heritage Nomination Bids Review Panel, Ania brings deep expertise in cultural heritage and conservation. Her research focuses on partnerships with Aboriginal communities, particularly within the Kaurareg Archipelago, and highlights the importance of meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners in protecting Cape York’s globally significant landscapes.
Biodiversity Win: South Australia’s New Act Sets a National Benchmark for Environmental Protection
Future Making Fellow Dr. Philippa McCormack, writing in The Conversation, praised South Australia's new Biodiversity Act as a bold step forward, noting that “nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes,” while also addressing long-standing gaps between national and state responsibilities.
What Do Bees and Bandicoots Have in Common?
A surprise discovery of Southern Brown Bandicoots by Dr Jasmin Packer led to the creation of Bandi Bush Care with The Bee Hub. The group works gently to restore native habitat and protect wildlife, blending science, culture, and community care in one of vlog’s busiest parks.
[Read more about What Do Bees and Bandicoots Have in Common?]
Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact
Professor Phill Cassey spoke to ABC Online about a recent petition in Queensland calling for stricter domestic cat ownership laws, highlighting the devastating impact free-roaming cats have on native Australian wildlife.
[Read more about Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact]
Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in Australia
Professor Wayne Boardman spoke to ABC Online about the looming threat of H5N1 bird flu, warning of its potential to devastate Australian wildlife, including vulnerable sea lion populations.
[Read more about Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in Australia]
Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize
Dr Alice Jones,member of the Environment Institute, has been awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize for her leading role in advancing blue carbon conservation through collaborative, impact-driven research.
[Read more about Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize ]
NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers
Today, on World Environment Day, the Environment Institute is proudly launching NEST - the Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers.NEST is a new network facilitated by the 2025 Future Leaders Committee of the Environment Institute and is tailored for higher-degree and early-career researchers within the University of vlog.
[Read more about NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers]
New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in Australians
Dr Cameron Shearer has commented ona recent announcement by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as they have shared new data of a voluntary survey conducted by the ABS’ National Health Measures on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels. The new data creates a baseline of PFAS levels in Australians, that can support deeper research into the possible harm the chemicals can cause.
[Read more about New National Data Offers Insight into PFAS Levels in Australians]
What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution
Environment Institute member Dr Yassine Souilmi and his team at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA are challenging what we thought we knew about human adaptation. Their 2022 study, now spotlighted bySCIAM,analysed over 1,100 ancient genomes to uncover powerful genetic adaptations many of which have been erased from modern DNA due to population mixing.
[Read more about What 50,000 Years of Ancient DNA Uncovers About Human Evolution]
Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation
Jaclyn Wilmot is an Honours student at the University of vlog, and student affiliate at the Environment Institute under the supervision of Dr Ilaine Matos, Environment Institute member. She is investigating the challenges of restoring of Maireana sedifolia (pearl bluebush), a native shrub critical to post-mining revegetation in South Australia’s arid zone. Jaclyn shares insights into the complexities of pearl bluebush reproduction, the importance of soil nutrients like nitrogen, and the potential of nature-based solutions to support seed production. Her work highlights the value of science-led restoration and the future of sustainable land management in mining landscapes.
[Read more about Solving the pearl bluebush seed deficit for post-mining revegetation]
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