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Welcome to

Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods

Why choose RIEL?

  • 'Outstanding performance' in environmental science and management​, and ecology​

    2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) ranking: 5

  • Performance above world standard in ecological applications

    2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) ranking: 4

     

  • RIEL is ranked ‘High’ in engagement, impact and approach to impact

    2018 Engagement and Impact assessment (EI)​ ranking: High

     

Research

Postgraduate study

Consultancy services

Sam Banks, head and shoulders, with green vegetation behind
Professor Sam Banks

Director's message

Welcome to the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods. We host and offer internationally significant research initiatives, postgraduate study and consultancy services related to natural and human systems in northern Australia and neighbouring regions.

Our teaching and research excellence, collaborative approach, and dynamic staff and students are making a RIEL difference across the region.

I feel privileged to be supporting such achievements at this important time for the north and hope to work with you soon.

- RIEL Director, Prof. Sam Banks

Find out more about RIEL (PDF, 858.17 KB)

Our research areas

Biodiversity conservation

Communities and livelihoods

Savanna and arid ecology

Water and catchments

Undergraduate study

Many of our world-class researchers also teach into the Environmental Science bachelors degree and other programs. If you are interested in studying environmental science as an undergraduate or honours student, watch this video and then find out how to apply for CDU's Science, Environmental Science and Management courses.

How to apply

RIEL news

  • five grinning people in a frame saying 20th savanna science network meeting

    RIEL students present at the Savanna Science Network Meeting, South Africa

    At the beginning of March, four RIEL PhD students and a Professor journeyed to South Africa to present their research at the 20th Savanna Science Network Meeting (SSNM). Held in the iconic Kruger National Park, the SSNM sees savanna scientists from around the world come together for a week to meet and exchange knowledge.

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  • Research on Vibrio bacteria that are an emerging climate change risk to the seafood industry has been presented by CDU researchers, Dr Anna Padovan and Professor Karen Gibb as part of the World Aquaculture Conference 2023. Pictured; Zarah Tinning, PhD candidate.

    CDU researchers highlight emerging climate change risk to seafood industry

    Leading Charles Darwin University (CDU) environmental microbiology researchers have presented research focused on understanding tropical rock oysters and Vibrios and the implications for food safety and human health at an international Aquaculture conference held this week in Darwin.

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  • A Charles Darwin University (CDU) study revealed the southern cassowary remains an important disperses of rainforest plants in fragmented and urbanised landscapes. Picture: Mariana Campbell

    Cassowaries still crucial to seed dispersal, study shows

    Cassowaries continue to be one of nature’s most critical gardeners, with a new study into seed dispersal through their scats reaffirming their role in the ecological function of pockets of remnant rainforests.

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