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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 2023 (PDF, 4.48 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

  • The Bulloak Jewel (Hypochrysops piceatus) butterfly. Butterflies, bees and beetles are groups of insects at risk. Picture: Michael Braby

    Study reveals extreme rate of Australia’s invertebrate extinction

    An estimated one to three species of insects and other native invertebrates are becoming extinct in Australia every week, according to a new study revealing the immense scale of the nation’s biodiversity loss. 

    Read more
  • RIEL conference 2024

    From crocs to cotton, RIEL conference shows off budding researchers

    Poo swabs for sharks, laser-based forest management, and nature-based job opportunities were among the studies recently highlighted during a showcase of work by some of Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) academics.

    Read more
  • Six people looking at camera smiling standing on a rock in front of a waterfall.

    First Nations wisdom plays key role in saving critically endangered Philippine eagle

    A First Nations conservation and land management program from the Northern Territory is playing a key role in saving the national bird of the Philippines, the critically endangered Philippine eagle.

    Read more
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