Skip to main content
You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student You are viewing this website as an International Student
Start of main content
Drone testing at the CDU Katherine Rural Campus
Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods

RIEL News

Use the filters to refine the news

1 - 9 of 184 Results
Image of University branding taken at elevation with the sprawling Darwin CBD in the background.

CDU rises in 2026 QS World University Rankings, bucking national trend

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has climbed to 584 in the prestigious 2026 QS World University Rankings - a marked improvement from its position in the 621-630 band last year - defying the national trend. 

Read more about CDU rises in 2026 QS World University Rankings, bucking national trend
PhD student Maria Paula Ortiz-Rodriguez began her project on silage feeding for Bali cattle earlier this year.

Project aiming to improve cattle productivity in Timor-Leste

A decline in feed availability for cattle during Timor-Leste’s dry season may be having a severe impact on the region, but a new research project exploring alternative feeding methods, specifically silage, aims to minimise its impact on farmers and cattle.

Read more about Project aiming to improve cattle productivity in Timor-Leste
To date 72 ghost nets have been detected during surveys conducted by NACAS and the Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers.

A net a kilometre: Drones successfully identifying ghost nets along NT coastline

Drones and Artificial Intelligence are uncovering ghost nets from 50 centimetres to larger than five metres along the coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria, proving the success of a program aimed at maintaining the pristine environment of this region. 

Read more about A net a kilometre: Drones successfully identifying ghost nets along NT coastline
Charles Darwin University Adjunct Dr Ruth Patterson led the endorsement of ‘SUN Fleet’ in a world first global Uncrewed Surface Vessel network.

Global network of ocean robots endorsed by UNESCO

A fleet of ocean robots will sail the seas collecting data to improve weather and climate forecasting, maritime security awareness, survey wildlife and more after a global network of this technology was endorsed by UNESCO. 

Read more about Global network of ocean robots endorsed by UNESCO
Dr Kamaljit K Sangha

Working with nature, not against it: How our economies can grow with the environment

Economic growth doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment, and the ways in which this is possible will be on display at a global conference being held in Australia for the first time. 

Read more about Working with nature, not against it: How our economies can grow with the environment
Bilby

Stronger together: Bilby conservation efforts enhanced by Indigenous knowledge

One of the nation's most iconic and at-risk critters could benefit by combining Indigenous knowledge with western survey methods, according to a new study led by Charles Darwin University (CDU) in collaboration with the North Tanami Rangers and Traditional Owners from the community of Lajamanu.

Read more about Stronger together: Bilby conservation efforts enhanced by Indigenous knowledge
Charles Darwin University’s Professor Sunil Kadri (pictured right) is working with Nha Trang University’s Institute for Aquaculture and Can Tho University’s College of Aquaculture and Fisheries to drive better welfare outcomes for juvenile pompano. Picture: Pompano Welfare Project Team, Institute of Aquaculture, Nha Trang University

Changing the tide: New project aims to shift attitudes around fish welfare practices

Fish are often overlooked when the term “animal welfare” is used, but a new project is working to ensure happy fins are met with the same enthusiasm as cage-free eggs or grass-fed beef.

Read more about Changing the tide: New project aims to shift attitudes around fish welfare practices
The vessels were recently freshened up with wraps inspired by local wildlife.

New designs hit the water for environmental research and maritime training

RIEL's three research vessels have recently been freshened up with a clean, new look in readiness for the coming years. The new boat wraps not only provide long-term protection to the hulls and fulfil special signage requirements for research vessels, but have also been designed with a deep respect for local wildlife in mind

Read more about New designs hit the water for environmental research and maritime training
Simon Votto

Birds of a feather: Unexpected relationships take flight in the face of climate change

The pressures of climate change may be strengthening bonds between unlikely allies in Central Australia’s bird community as species are forced to work together to access life-saving resources, a study has found.

Read more about Birds of a feather: Unexpected relationships take flight in the face of climate change
Back to top