News: University of Adelaide
Adelaide’s 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 foundÌýShort, 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.
[Read more about Adelaide’s Shift to Intense Downpours and Rising Drought Risk]
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.ÌýNEST 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 91×ÔÅÄ.
[Read more about NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers]
New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin
Environment Institute member Dr Fiona Whelan and Associate Professor Stephen Bell, have developed a new sustainable method to repurpose lignin waste. Using an enzyme from the bacterium Amycolatopsis thermoflava, they’ve created a more environmentally friendly way to break down lignin, a common by-product from forestry.Ìý
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[Read more about New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin]
Urgent Call to Investigate Kangaroo Deaths on Fleurieu Peninsula
Associate Professor Wayne Boardman from 91×ÔÅÄ has called for a thorough investigation into the recent deaths of kangaroos on the Fleurieu Peninsula, challenging assumptions that the cause is phalaris staggers and emphasizing the need to consider environmental factors such as toxins and climate impacts.
[Read more about Urgent Call to Investigate Kangaroo Deaths on Fleurieu Peninsula]
Creating Wasted Whey into Opportunity
New research found byÌýfrom the Centre for Global Food and Resources, has discovered innovative ways to repurpose whey, a by-product of cheese production and one of the largest sources of food loss and waste in the Australian dairy industry.Ìý
2025 Illegal Wildlife Trade Workshop Recap
The Invasion Science & Wildlife Ecology Group at The University of AdelaideÌýhosted the 2025 Illegal Wildlife Trade Workshop at the Shine Dome in Canberra. Over 50 participants attended across the two days, representing a wide range of agencies and organisations, including state government representatives, forensic scientists and tool developers.
[Read more about 2025 Illegal Wildlife Trade Workshop Recap]
What Moa Extinction Teaches Us About Conservation Today
Deputy Director of the Environment Institute, , co-authored a examining the impact of human settlement and hunting on the extinction of New Zealand’s giant flightless birds, the moa.
[Read more about What Moa Extinction Teaches Us About Conservation Today]
Project Factsheet Smart Stormwater Systems out now
The risk of flooding and heatwaves has been amplified by climate change; however, smart stormwater systems provide innovative solutions that can adapt to these changes, as demonstrated by research led by Environment Institute members Assoc. Professor Mark Thyer and Professor Holger Maier, supported by Ruijie Jerry Liang and Graeme Dandy of 91×ÔÅÄ.
[Read more about Project Factsheet Smart Stormwater Systems out now]
When the invaders are locked out: Bringing back threatened native species in outback Australia
In the latest Eco Futurists episode, Director Professor chats with and of , a non-profit dedicated to conserving threatened species in South Australia’s Roxby Downs.
Exposing gaps in wildlife trade: 30,000 species traded in the U.S. without global oversight
An international study, involving 91×ÔÅÄ, reveals over 30,000 wild species traded in the U.S., uncovering critical gaps in global wildlife trade regulations and underscoring the need for stronger protections to preserve biodiversity.
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