Institute overview
The new Institute for Sustainable Solutions will harness the substantial intellect, imagination and research infrastructure available across the University, from cutting-edge technology to sophisticated economic analysis and policy research frameworks.
The Institute will provide greater coordination and communication to maximise the reach and impact of existing research strengths, and will contribute towards sustainable solutions at a local and global level. Our research will have a strong community focus and will guide our teaching of the next generation of students.
Goals
The specific goals of the Institute are to:
- Increase our research and its impact, particularly cross-disciplinary research focused on solutions.
- Further develop research training in sustainability.
- Expand the contribution of the University by engaging in public policy debate, policy formation, public engagement, development and community outreach.
- Develop positive, consultative relationships with industry, and the Australian and State Governments.
- Coordinate teaching programs, including the creation of several new courses relating to sustainability.
Key Issues and research themes
We will address key issues such as land and water sustainability, renewable energy, energy conservation, carbon capture and emission management, sustainable building design, urban planning, public health and well-being, economic development, triple bottom line analysis, and environmental and international treaty law.
These research themes will span four main areas:
- Energy – alternatives, emissions and management.
- Environment – land, water and air, both natural and in man-made environments.
- Development – policy, security, economics, law, politics and planning.
- Health – protecting physical, mental and social health in a time of change.
Core activities
Across each of these areas will be four core activities which will form a comprehensive and integrated program:
- Research – active consultation with NGOs, business, government, international bodies, research groups and other universities.
- Research training – providing research student scholarships, as well as seminars, workshops, symposia and conferences.
- Postgraduate and undergraduate coursework – leading to University awards in key issues related to sustainability.
- Outreach and engagement – focussing on policy debate and development through open lectures, workshops, visiting scholars and public forums.
Some of our work will focus on areas where we have a particular responsibility or enjoy a natural competitive advantage, such as water and salinity management, the sustainable economic development of tropical and coastal environments, and consideration of the impact of climate change on the small island nations of the South Pacific.
Importantly, this research will be carried out in the context of global challenges such as sustainable development and poverty.
Collaboration
Much is already underway at the University of Sydney and we will build on our crossdisciplinary strengths. In particular, the Institute will work with the centres for Integrated Sustainability Analysis, International Security Studies, and the United States Studies Centre, where specific funding for sustainability projects has been earmarked.
Generous philanthropic and industry support have led to the Judith and David Coffey Chair in Agricultural Sustainability and a new Chair in Sustainable Energy Development funded by Delta Energy. Additionally a new Chair in Urban Design/Planning is under recruitment.
Organisation
The Institute will be headed by a senior academic director who will focus on the goals listed above, and contribute to the University’s Sustainable Campus Program and associated initiatives.