Sustainability

Soil is a vast and complex ecosystem that supports over a billion life forms, however concerns around the impact of ongoing soil degradation are escalating. Generous funding from an anonymous donor is enabling the University of Newcastle to explore an integrated approach to improve soil health that could revolutionise agricultural practices globally.

The land and waters around Australia support approximately 700,000 native species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The generosity of alumnus, the late Gregory Knibb is advancing research to preserve natural habitats of native frog species.

A newly funded philanthropic scholarship to study the nocturnal movements of shorebird communities within the Port Stephens and Hunter estuaries is set to reveal more about the foraging behaviours of our native shorebirds than ever before.

Sue Outram and Andrew Zdenkowski explain why they donate to the University of Newcastle and their passion for The Andrew Zdenkowski & Sue Outram Environmental Sustainability Scholarship

Researchers at the University of Newcastle are hoping to tap into the wisdom of the Hunter River, the largest coastal catchment in NSW, to re-think the design of estuary cities, like Newcastle, in the climate century.

The nail-biting task of designing and launching their own glider has gripped thousands of high school students over the years as part of the Science and Engineering Challenge. This exhilarating activity has had a sustainable makeover thanks to a special partnership with Boeing.

As the inaugural recipient of the BMG Indigenous Scholarship in 2021, Belle completed her Work Integrated Learning experience with BMG in Sydney. Read about her career in the music industry and see what a day in her life looks like.

With a collection of over 14,000 specimens and counting, the Don McNair Herbarium’s ability to support research, teaching and community education continues to grow.

The plight of our smallest intrepid adventurers is under the spotlight with the inaugural University of Newcastle Australian Wildlife Society Research Conservation Scholarship awarded to PhD candidate Louise Williams.

Koalas are one of our most treasured species, but their dwindling numbers has prompted a race against time to protect their precious genetics. Researchers from the School of Environmental and Life Sciences are working on a long-term solution to secure the future of our national icon.

Vera Deacon OAM (1926 – 2021) brought Newcastle’s history to life. Vera Deacon left an indelible mark on her beloved city of Newcastle and most certainly the University of Newcastle. Vera tirelessly championed the safeguarding of our region's history and shared her stories and passions with many.

Turning trash into treasure, a new partnership between the University of Newcastle and Newcastle city’s first five star hotel, Crystalbrook Kingsley, will put students, researchers and waste to work in a bid to drive sustainability in our community and reduce waste in the hospitality industry.