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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

  • New funding will look to develop satellite fire mapping tech to help manage what happens on the ground. Pictured L-R CDU Research Dr Rohan Fisher, Minister for Industry Nicole Manison, NAFI Developer Tom Lynch and CDU spatial software engineer Dr Patrice Weber.

    New mapping technology gives land managers another tool to protect landscapes and make the most of carbon trading offsets

    Planned high-resolution satellite mapping will help land managers to reduce bushfires and increase carbon offset income for communities in the Northern Territory.

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  • First Nations ranger trainees from across the Top End are working to become certified rangers through the ‘Ranger Ready’ program.

    Rangers gain vital skills to care for Country

    Ranger trainees from across the Top End are working to become certified through the 'Ranger Ready' program, combining traditional knowledge with conservation training.

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  • New Charles Darwin University (CDU) research into false killer whales in Northern Australia reveals that they are unique from their deep-water cousins.

    Study shows links between Australia’s false killer whales and endangered groups from Hawaii

    False killer whales off the Northern Australia coast need their conservation status reviewed because of similarities they share with groups from Hawaii listed as Endangered in the USA, a Charles Darwin University (CDU) researcher says.

    Read more