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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, 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

  • Photo Synthesis: CDU’s Research through the Lens is a new initiative aiming to highlight the visual side of research conducted at Charles Darwin University.

    New photography competition and exhibition showcases CDU’s research

    From ants encircling their prey to the microscopic details of a moth’s antenna, a new photography competition and exhibition is giving the public a rare glimpse into the fascinating world of academic research.

    Read more
  • Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers are working with the Timor-Leste agriculture community to help increase on-farm labour productivity.

    New partnership seeks to improve food security in Timor-Leste

    Timor-Leste is taking steps to achieve greater food security for its people with a research partnership with Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers to increase on-farm labour productivity

    Read more
  • The study by Charles Darwin shows widespread culling of crocodiles is not an effective way to stop attacks on humans.

    Culling crocs not the answer to stopping attacks: Paper

    Education and community awareness, removal of problem animals and exclusion areas are significantly more effective in reducing saltwater crocodile attacks in the Northern Territory than a widespread culling program to reduce crocodile numbers, according to a new study.

    Read more
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