Sustainability in Research

Sustainability in Research

Leading the way in the transition to sustainable solutions 

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. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy

We are currently establishing a First Nations Academy to strengthen pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in higher education and research. The Academy will provide culturally safe support, mentoring, and leadership development alongside scholarships and opportunities designed to attract, nurture, and elevate First Nations students and researchers. Its purpose is to create an environment where individuals can thrive, pursue their ambitions, and contribute to research that reflects and advances community priorities.

Sustainable Green Transition Research Strategy

The Sustainable Green Transition Strategy sets out how Adelaide University will contribute to a cleaner, more resilient, and more equitable future. It brings together expertise from across disciplines to address the environmental, social, and economic pressures shaping South Australia and the world. 

The Strategy focuses on the practical steps required to reduce emissions, support industry transformation, strengthen community wellbeing, and protect ecosystems. Its motivation is simple: to help ensure that the transition to a low carbon future is sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial for all.

Sustainable Green Transition Pillars of Research Focus

Nature

Lead Australian research for ‘nature positive’ outcomes by focusing on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable water management with a specific lens on arid and semi-arid environments given our regional presence across South Australia.

Industrial Systems

Increase research outcomes across the net zero transition, circular economy, and sustainable minerals value chains, by leveraging deep engineering, materials expertise and research income to drive industrial transformation in alignment with relevant policies.

Built, production, and natural landscapes

Develop integrated, practical research solutions for climate adaptation and resilience across built, production, and natural landscapes, leveraging our design, engineering and water management research expertise in alignment with national policy. 

Society

Shape national policy and practice for equitable and sustainable futures through leading social sciences and humanities research relevant to society across the university ecosystem creating lasting impact.

Explore our other Signature Research Themes.

Our research centres around sustainable development

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. 

Environment Institute

The Environment Institute delivers multidisciplinary research to halt environmental decline, safeguard biodiversity, and create sustainable solutions for terrestrial, coastal, and urban ecosystems. 

UN Sustainability Development Goal 13 - Climate action
UN Sustainability Development Goal 14 - Life below water
UN Sustainability Development Goal 15 - Life on land

Centre for Energy Technology

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.

UN Sustainability Development Goal 7 - Affordable and clean energy

Centre for Global Food and Resources

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. 

UN Sustainability Development Goal 2 - Zero hunger

Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion 

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. 

UN Sustainability Development Goal 10 - Reduced inequalities

Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chains

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. 

UN Sustainability Development Goal 12 - Responsible consumption and production

Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management

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. 

UN Sustainability Development Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

ReAL Innovation

Research-engaged Action Laboratories for Innovation. A new model of engaged impact. 

ReAL Sustainability

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. 

ReAL Mount Gambier

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. 

ReAL Whyalla

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

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. 

First Nations Academy

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. 

Research Partnerships

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. 

UN Sustainability Development Goal 17 - Partnerships for the goals

ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space

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.

UN Sustainability Development Goal 15 - Life on land

ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation

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.

UN Sustainability Development Goal 13 - Climate action

ARC Centre for Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide

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.

UN Sustainability Development Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Australia Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP)

The ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs fund research projects focused on issues facing industry. 

ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon

ARC Research Hub in the Internet of Things for Water

ARC Research Hub in New Safe and Reliable Energy Storage and Conversion Technologies

ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability (PVRS)

ARC Research Hub in Responsible AI for a Sustainable Grain Industry

ARC Research Hub for Transformation of Reclaimed Waste Resources to Engineered Materials and Solutions for a Circular Economy

ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality

Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centres (ITTCs)

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. 

ARC Training Centre for Battery Recycling

ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources the Future

ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composits for the Fuiture of Sustainable Mining Equipment

ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Architectural Manufacturing

ARC Training Centre for Whole Life Design of Carbon Neutral Infrastructure

Cooperative Research Centres

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. 

End Food Waste CRC

Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition CRC

One Basic CRC

Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC

Race for 2030 CRC

Marine Bioproducts CRC