Welcome
As the gateway to environmental research and teaching at the University of Newcastle, the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment's vision is to help develop regional solutions for a sustainable future. We aim to integrate the University's teaching, research and community engagement into those solutions.
A sustainable future will build on the strengths of our large, diverse and rapidly-changing Hunter Region, including its sense of community. That future will involve both better human interaction with nature, and more robust societies. These will require a strong economy.
The Tom Farrell Institute's mission is threefold:
- build university and community partnerships to meet future environmental challenges
- advance the development and application of environmental knowledge
- integrate cultural, social and economic values into environmental solutions.
We can provide you with information, help you solve problems, and arrange seminars or speakers. You can help us help the Hunter Region achieve a sustainable future.
Take the time to browse through our website. You will find we have been very busy since we were established in 2006, supporting research into ecosystems and sustainable regions, and providing the regional community with knowledge and skills for a sustainable future. With your support, we can do much more. Come along to our next public forum or research seminar, to learn about current and cutting-edge developments. Volunteer your time as a Tom Farrell Silver; we are enriched by the many knowledgeable, skilled and experienced individuals living in the Hunter Region. Support research through the Institute, by either fostering small partnership research projects or supporting research higher degree students through a scholarship. Or become a Tom Farrell Institute sponsor; the University Foundation can show you how to make a difference in many ways.
Again, welcome. Just as we aim to make a difference, so too do we hope that you can join us.
Professor Tim Roberts
Director
About the Institute
The Tom Farrell Institute believes in regional solutions for a sustainable future.
We aim to ensure the University of Newcastle's teaching, research and community engagement will help deliver those solutions.
A sustainable future will build on the strengths of the Hunter Region, including its sense of community; we believe these will deliver more meaningful and lasting environmental, economic and social outcomes.
The Hunter Region's success will show ways forward for the rest of the world.
Where we are going
The Farrell Institute's Strategic Business Plan 2009-2011 sets out clear goals for our growth and development.
In the longer term, we aim to be recognised both regionally and nationally. At the regional level, we aim to be the "first port of call" for accessible expertise and authority on the environment. Nationally, we aim to be an innovator in developing regional solutions for a sustainable future.
What we are doing
Our focus is on developing partnerships with and building support from governments, community groups, and business and industry interests. We are guided in this by our independent Board. It comprises individuals with unique experience and expertise in environmental issues and management. Our broad environmental, social and economic agenda requires a multidisciplinary approach. Wherever possible, we try to integrate the tools of science and technology with cultural, social and economic values, and regional expertise.
More specifically, we are focussed on three core areas:
- Ecosystems and sustainable regions research
- Knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
- Securing the Institute's future
We are securing the Institute's future by building University and external stakeholder support, and Institute resources. This involves communicating our opportunities and achievements inside and outside the University through reports, media and community engagement. We are also maintaining and establishing philanthropic and corporate sponsorship partnerships to support our activities. We are greatly helped in this task by the UON Foundation.