RIEL’s Research Groups provide a mechanism for pursuing research excellence, building partnerships and supporting postgraduate students. They foster purposeful, collaborative and dynamic research environments.
Groups are led by RIEL’s senior academics and typically include post-doctoral researchers, PhD students and often Masters or Honours students.
Groups work on a wide range of topics and projects of regional, national and international significance, usually via interdisciplinary and multi-sector collaborations.
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Animal physiological ecology
In order to develop adequate conservation responses to climate change challenges, it is crucial that we understand the interface between animals and their environment.
Applied plant ecology
The Applied Plant Ecology Group applies understanding of plant ecology to develop solutions to conserve and utilise native plants, and to manage introduced species.
Arid-zone wildlife ecology and conservation
Our research is centred on the ecology, sustainable management and conservation of wildlife in arid Australia.
Communities, livelihoods and natural resources
Our research aims to enhance the livelihoods and wellbeing of Indigenous and local communities
Environmental microbiology
We study water, sediment and biota microbial quality in marine, coastal and freshwater systems.
Freshwater, estuarine and marine ecology
We study aquatic biodiversity and environmental management of freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems.
Conservation Genomics
We study biodiversity in northern Australia and the broader region, applying research approaches in genomics and landscape ecology.
Movement and landscape ecology
Tools and techniques for tracking the movement, migration and dispersal of animals in their natural habitat.
Tropical savanna ecology
Our research investigates the sustainable management of tropical savanna landscapes.
Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research
The Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research delivers applied fire management research and training opportunities to land managers in northern Australia, South East Asia, Africa and South America.
Top End Hydrology Lab
The Top End Hydrology Lab studies the physical and chemical components of critically important and iconic rivers of the Northern Territory and beyond
Ecosystem Services
Our research aims to assess the importance of natural resources for human well-being, applying various ecological economics approaches. We undertake trans-disciplinary research focusing on, and integrating various socio-economic, cultural and ecological aspects, particularly for the Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs)
Landscape water and carbon dynamics group
We use a combination of methods to better understand water and carbon cycles in tropical ecosystems – tropical savannas, rangelands, vine forests, wetlands, pasture and croplands, through to mangroves and peat forests.