Griffith experts take leading role in national environmental research hub
Griffith University will host the eastern Australia node of a new environmental research hub providing leadership in the study of threatened species and the preparation/adaptation to extreme events such as bushfires.
Researchers from the Australian Rivers Institute and Griffith Climate Action Beacon will join a national team, led by Professor Michael Douglas from University of Western Australia, as part of the the Resilient Landscapes Hub.
Dr Mark Kennard, from Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute
Associate Professor Mark Kennard, Deputy Dean (Research), Griffith Sciences, Australian Rivers Institute
Federal Minister for the Environment, The Hon Sussan Ley, announced the Hub will receive $47 million over seven years as part of the second phase of the Commonwealth Government’s National Environmental Science Program.
“The Resilient Landscapes Hub will focus on issues such as bushfire recovery, feral animals, invasive species and provide national leadership in threatened species research,” said Associate Professor Mark Kennard, Deputy Dean (Research), Griffith Sciences.
“The aim is to equip Australia’s land and water managers with the knowledge and tools they need to address the country’s most pressing environmental concerns and promote resilience, sustainability and productivity.”
The Resilient Landscapes Hub will utilise Griffith’s interdisciplinary research strengths in water, biodiversity, threatened species, environmental sustainability, socioeconomics, Indigenous knowledge and climate adaptation.
“We’ve seen the devastation of bushfires, floods and droughts in Australia over recent years,” Associate Professor Kennard said.
Fire-affected wetland in northern NSW
“Now more than ever we need collaborations between leading experts in environmental science, indigenous communities, landholders and other stakeholders.
“This partnership builds on Griffith’s longstanding collaboration with Professor Douglas through national environmental research programs in northern Australia.
“Ongoing federal Government support through the National Environmental Science Program is essential in helping design and deliver practical solutions to critical environmental challenges and equip land managers with the knowledge and tools needed to meet these challenges.”
The Hub will deliver national coverage through partnerships with the CSIRO and a host of other Australian research institutions.