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water lillies with green leaves and blue flowers
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, 869.6 KB)

RIEL annual report 2024 (PDF, 4.08 MB)

Our research areas

Biodiversity conservation

Communities and livelihoods

Savanna and arid ecology

Water and catchments

Food production

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

  • Cotton waste is being used to develop a mushroom circular economy. grow mushrooms.

    Cotton trash to treasure: Project using waste to grow new mushroom industry

    Supermarket shelves could be stocked with mushrooms grown from the Northern Territory’s cotton waste, with a Charles Darwin University research project exploring the possibility of broadening the region’s agricultural industry.  

    Read more
  • Outdated stereotypes about who a “real fisher” is could be costing Australia’s recreational fishing industry valuable talent, creativity, and growth, new research from Charles Darwin University suggests. Picture: Jenny House

    Stereotypes holding back Australia’s recreational fishing future, new study finds

    Outdated stereotypes about who a “real fisher” is could be costing Australia’s recreational fishing industry valuable talent, creativity, and growth, new research from Charles Darwin University suggests.

    Read more
  • Motion 113 stemmed from a Charles Darwin University-led research paper published in the journal Science last year, which focused on longevity conservation for the Earth’s oldest animals. Picture: Lauren Brent

    Global body adopts policy to protect Earth’s old, wise and large animals

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recognised Charles Darwin University-led research into the Earth’s oldest animals with the adoption of the ‘Longevity Conservation’ global policy principle.

    Read more
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