Our vision is for South Australia to be recognised globally as a leader in the sustainable green transition. Through research, innovation, and strong partnerships, we’re working to support social and economic prosperity while restoring and protecting the environment.
This work is grounded in a respect for the deep connection to, and care for, Country held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Explore our other Signature Research Themes.
Adelaide University hosts a diverse network of research institutes, centres, and concentrations that drive innovation and sustainable development across disciplines to address complex challenges and deliver real-world solutions.
The Environment Institute delivers multidisciplinary research to halt environmental decline, safeguard biodiversity, and create sustainable solutions for terrestrial, coastal, and urban ecosystems.
The CET partners with industry, government, and research organisations to deliver practical innovations in sustainable fuels, minerals processing, and power. One focus is to see immediate emissions reductions through smart retrofits to existing systems while developing carbon-neutral and carbon-negative technologies that accelerate the shift to reliable, affordable, clean energy.
This Centre works with industry, government, and international partners to build healthy, resilient, and productive communities and landscapes through research that strengthens food, water, and resource security. A leading hub in Australian agribusiness, the Centre brings deep insight into production, supply chains, and industry drivers and takes a holistic approach to the challenges shaping global food systems alongside a network of agricultural, food, health and environmental scientists and partnerships with industry, government, and NGOs.
CRESI is a leading global centre advancing knowledge on educational and social inequality, addressing Australia’s growing disparities that threaten cohesion and wellbeing. Through interdisciplinary research examining systemic exclusion, the impacts of policy, and evidence of inclusive practice, CRESI generates insights that inform more equitable educational and social systems.
Conducts research and industry collaboration to transform Australia’s supply chains. The CSORSC develops strategies that strengthen environmental sustainability, operational performance, and long-term resilience across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and energy. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the Centre supports both academic inquiry and real-world applications to build sustainable, future-ready supply chain solutions.
Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management (SIRM) at Adelaide University undertakes research in physical infrastructure management and the sustainable management of assets. SIRM applies circular economy philosophy and carbon reduction solutions to ensure sustainable communities throughout the world.
Research-engaged Action Laboratories for Innovation. A new model of engaged impact.
Accelerate the ‘net zero’ transition and home-grown job creation by connecting sustainability research from across Adelaide University with the regions, in research areas including business, law and economics, built environment, conservation and biodiversity, intense farming, forestry, energy and resources, allied health, policy, and First Nations.
Centred on our Mount Gambier campus, with a focus on local industries including forestry and wine. ReAL Mount Gambier provides connectivity to research capacity across all Adelaide University locations and all ReAL Innovation initiatives to drive regional socioeconomic progress.
Centred on our Whyalla campus with a focus on local opportunities – including critical resources, green iron, and health – ReAL Whyalla provides connectivity to research capacity across all Adelaide University locations and all ReAL Innovation initiatives to drive regional socioeconomic progress.
ReAL Space brings together Adelaide University’s key infrastructure and expertise across our campuses to accelerate innovation in the space sector. It unites leading facilities such as the Extraterrestrial Environmental Simulation (EXTERRES) Laboratory, the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, Trailblazer programs and Cooperative Research Centres. By connecting these strengths, ReAL Space supports advances in human factors, governance, sustainable agriculture, automated construction and low‑impact resource processing - critical areas for shaping a responsible and sustainable space future.
Dedicated First Nations Academy, serving as the connecting ‘structure’ across SRTs and the home for relevant talent. It will be resourced to attract, steward, and mentor talent and support the implementation of the Sustainable Green Transition Strategy. It will also integrate sustainable development with cultural, heritage, native title, and land remediation.
Adelaide University drives research innovation through its leadership and participation in major government-funded centres of excellence, hubs, and training centres. These initiatives bring together academia, industry, and government to tackle complex challenges and deliver real-world impact.
Our goal is to re-imagine plant design and bioresource production, through the lens of space. Through our four missions we pave the way for off-Earth habitation while delivering innovative solutions that enhance sustainability on Earth.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation (COE-CSI) aims to create innovative carbon materials and game-changing technologies for renewable energy generation and clean chemical production with net-zero carbon emissions.
he ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2) aims to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into valuable products, such as chemicals and fuels. GETCO2 will catalyse a green manufacturing and export revolution for Australia, while paving the smartest and cleanest path to Net Zero.
The ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs fund research projects focused on issues facing industry.
The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres support higher degree by research (HDR) students and postdoctoral researchers gain practical skills and experience through placements with industry.
Cooperative Research Centres foster high quality research to solve industry-identified problems through industry-led, outcome-focused, collaborative research partnerships. A CRC is an Australian government-supported initiative that brings together researchers from universities, CSIRO, or other institutions, as well as industry partners and government agencies.
