Research for global goals

Our research is helping solve the complex environmental problems the world faces today. Every project we undertake is mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure that our work is contributing to global solutions.

The work we do is diverse, from testing the next generation of wind turbines, to building the world's first clear solar glass greenhouse, to exploring the immense role algae can play in managing waste. It all follows a common thread though – working with our communities and collaborators toward a healthy planet for all.

Our research centres

Sustainability research is undertaken across all areas of the university, with a special focus on ecological aspects in the Harry Butler Institute. Our School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Indo-Pacific Research Centre, Food Futures Institute and Ngangk Yira Institute for Change also pursue broader programs of critical sustainability research.

Woman swimming with whale shark

Harry Butler Institute

The Harry Butler Institute champions a research space where community, business and biodiversity can co-exist. Drawing on decades of academic and industry experience, the Institute delivers focused, translational research that addresses some of our most pressing environmental challenges.

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School of Environmental & Conservation Sciences

A diverse collection of people offering expertise in wildlife conservation, environmental management, marine biology and environmental policy come together at our School. Their collective focus is on generating the knowledge and practical insights that will guide biodiversity conservation, natural resource management and policy decisions in the 21st century.

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Ngangk Yira Institute for Change 

Embedding First Nations knowledges is central to our approach to sustainability at Murdoch University. The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change focusses on research that benefits Aboriginal people and communities, honours self-determination and provides an enduring legacy. Research priorities are determined in partnership between Elders, community stakeholders, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers and focuses on complex issues in Aboriginal health and the achievement of social equity. Within the Institute, the Coolamon Research Centre is undertaking research to understand the widespread and cumulative effects of climate change, and the social, cultural and environmental factors impacting the lives of Aboriginal people.

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Woman researcher in greenhouse

Food Futures Institute

Food security is one of the great challenges of our generation, and our institute is working on solutions. Here, world leading scientists come together to improve the accessibility and availability of sufficient, safe, sustainably-produced and nutritious food with our limited land and water resources.

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Indo-Pacific Research Centre

Our region faces multiple challenges produced by climate, social, cultural, economic and political transformations. The Centre takes advantage of Murdoch’s location on the west coast of Australia to provide distinctive insights into the changes and challenges in the Indian Ocean Rim, including pressing environmental issues. 

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