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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)

RIEL annual report 2022 (PDF, 4.73 MB)

Our research areas

Biodiversity conservation

Communities and livelihoods

Savanna and arid ecology

Water and catchments

Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA)

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

  • A paper with Charles Darwin University has highlighted the need for a science-based approach to shark conservation in Brazil’s Marine Protected Areas.

    Urgent need for science-based approach to shark conservation

    Brazilian authorities must take a science-based approach to shark conservation, with experts warning extreme reactions to bite incidents and population growth will undermine the recovery of the fish. 

    Read more
  • A new paper co-authored by CDU researcher Dr Peter Kyne has been published in the journal Science discussing the plight of deepsea sharks. Photo Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus) off Puget Sound, United States. Photo Credit: Greg Amptman

    CDU researcher and international team shine a light on troubled deepsea sharks and rays

    A Charles Darwin University (CDU) researcher is part of an international team highlighting the global status of sharks that lurk in the deep waters of the ocean, discovering that the group is under threat. 

    Read more
  • Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers and Yugul Mangi Rangers have discovered a population of the rare threatened Speartooth Shark in the Roper River.

    Rare and threatened shark found in the Roper River for the first time

    Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers and first nations Yugul Mangi Rangers have discovered a new population of a rare and threatened shark species in the Northern Territory’s Roper River. 

    Read more
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