Goal 15: Life on Land / Sustainability goals / Sustainability / Our Uni / The University of Newcastle, Australia

Life on Land

Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss.

Research Centres

Global Centre for Environmental Remediation

The Centre for Environmental Remediation aims to safeguard people's social, economic and physical health and wellbeing by developing innovative, cost-effective and sustainable technologies and solutions that reduce the impact of pollutants on the environment.

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Global Centre for Environmental Remediation

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Pacific Initiative

The University of Newcastle is working with Pacific partners to deliver collaborative solutions to environmental, social and economic challenges, and to build equitable prosperity, social cohesion and healthy communities guided by our Pacific Research Roadmap.

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Pacific Initiative

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Stories

2025

Air is an overlooked source of nutrients - evidence shows we can inhale some vitamins

You know that feeling you get when you take a breath of fresh air in nature? There may be more to it than a simple lack of pollution. When we think of nutrients, we think of things we obtain from our diet. But a careful look at the scientific literature shows there is strong evidence humans can also absorb some nutrients from the air.

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2024

Conservative governments protect more land while socialists and nationalists threaten more species

The dire state of biodiversity across the globe suggests not all governments are willing to act decisively to protect nature. Why is that the case, and is a country’s political ideology a factor?

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The botanical imperialism of weeds and crops: how alien plant species on the First Fleet changed Australia

The botanical imperialism of weeds and crops: how alien plant species on the First Fleet changed Australia. British colonists introduced plants as foreign as the people who carried them. Some were plants, some food sources, promoting self-sufficiency and others were attempts to expand the British Empire.

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2022

Traditional knowledge key to solving the world’s plastics pollution disaster

While the environmental and health impacts of plastic have been examined from scientific standpoints, a newly released research paper explores a uniquely human side of the issue: waste colonialism.

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News

2025

Building Partnerships and Biodiversity in the Cook Islands

Associate Professor Troy Gaston and Dr Alex Callen from the School of Environmental and Life Sciences last month travelled to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands as part of the Enhancing Nature’s Unique Areas: Catchment Audit Activities project.

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Building Partnerships and Biodiversity in the Cook Islands

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Celebrating Earth Science Week: Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future

The College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE) hosted a thought-provoking Earth Science Week event, Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future, bringing together students, researchers, and industry professionals to reflect on the critical role Earth Science plays in shaping our world.

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Celebrating Earth Science Week: Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future

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Collaborating for Change: Healthy Ageing Innovation Challenge Sparks Breakthrough Ideas for Equitable Ageing

In a vibrant show of collaboration, creativity, and community commitment, the Healthy Ageing Innovation Challenge wrapped up this past weekend at the I2N Hub Honeysuckle, leaving participants energised, inspired, and more confident in their ability to innovate solutions for some of society’s most pressing challenges.

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Collaboration commitment to support Hunter wine industry’s future

A bold vision to secure the long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley wine industry was the focus of the first Hunter Insights Series event for 2025, hosted by the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures.

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Future leaders solving current problems

From protecting threatened species and educating the next generation about marine conservation, to fostering inclusive spaces for neurodivergent students, the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program is empowering our future leaders to take action for a better world.

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Future leaders solving current problems

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Global effort to keep koalas safe

With generous support from the Australian Wildlife Society, international PhD student, Charlotte Rigolot, is tackling one of the biggest challenges facing wildlife conservation today: how to protect our wild koala populations from extinction.

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Legacy supports conservation research

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.

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Newly discovered Australian frogs highlight dire limits of climate change adaptation

Two newly discovered species of Australian frogs may be unable to adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change, raising urgent conservation concerns from scientists.

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Nine Newcastle teams secure $5.4m in ARC Discovery grants to unearth new knowledge

Nine University of Newcastle research teams will spearhead projects to advance Australia’s knowledge in key priority areas, supported by more than $5.4 million in Australian Research Council (ARC) 2026 Discovery Project grants.

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Nothing to waste in improving soil health

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.

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Scientists breed hope for endangered Littlejohn’s frog

For the first time, scientists have successfully bred the Littlejohn’s tree frog (Litoria littlejohni) in captivity. This marks a major milestone in the conservation of the endangered species.

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Secret koala population uncovered on city fringe

A landmark survey has uncovered a hidden koala population living on the fringe of a major city, using thermal drone searches with spotlight verification and statistical modelling.

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2024

Revolutionising the RV Rental Market

Justin Hales is the Founder of Camplify, a leading peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace.

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Under their wing: new ornithology scholarship

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.

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2023

Local shorebird research takes flight

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.

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Planting the seeds for future discoveries

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.

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2022

Newcastle Startup leverages bespoke sensory technology to disrupt the agricultural industry and enable carbon sequestration – all in the fight against climate change

Hone Carbon's mission is to unlock the potential for carbon storage and agricultural environments and become a global leader in the measurement verification and optimisation of soil carbon projects, for the benefit of the land, its custodians and our shared atmosphere.

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Events

2024

Glimpse inside clever minds at University Science Week event

To celebrate National Science Week, the University of Newcastle is hosting a unique community event on Thursday that will delve into interesting, quirky and impressive research in science, technology and the environment.

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Glimpse inside clever minds at University Science Week event

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Newcastle’s largest reconciliation event Ngarrama returns stronger than ever

Building on two successful years of reflection, the University of Newcastle is proud to welcome the wider community once again to Ngarrama.

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Newcastle’s largest reconciliation event Ngarrama returns stronger than ever

Building on two successful years of reflection, the University of Newcastle is proud to welcome the wider community once again to Ngarrama.

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Partnering to prevent local extinction of threatened marsupial

City of Newcastle (CN), the University of Newcastle and FAUNA Research Alliance have joined forces to investigate ways to protect Squirrel Gliders in the Lower Hunter.

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Partnering to prevent local extinction of threatened marsupial

City of Newcastle (CN), the University of Newcastle and FAUNA Research Alliance have joined forces to investigate ways to protect Squirrel Gliders in the Lower Hunter.

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Degrees

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Apply to study a degree in education (primary) and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Bachelor of Education (Primary) (from 2026)

Apply to study a degree in education (primary) and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

Apply to study a degree in medicine (joint medical program) and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)

Apply to study a degree in nutrition & dietetics and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Apply to study a degree in occupational therapy and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy

Apply to study a degree in oral health therapy and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)

Apply to study a degree in speech pathology and graduate with diverse, employable skills that optimise your future career success.

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Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology

Providing health care professionals with an introduction to clinical epidemiology, learn basic research skills and obtain fundamental principles of clinical epidemiology with a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology.

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Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Gain an introduction to contemporary public health issues and learn practical techniques for analysing public health problems with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the University of Newcastle.

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Master of Clinical Epidemiology

Through the Master of Clinical Epidemiology you will learn how to conceptualise, design and carry out epidemiological research addressing priority health concerns in both clinical and community settings.

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Master of Midwifery (Graduate Entry)

The University of Newcastle’s Master of Midwifery (Graduate Entry) is for registered nurses wishing to gain midwifery qualifications. You will graduate as a registered midwife with specialised skills for safe, evidence-informed, ethical midwifery practice with woman and their babies.

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Master of Nurse Practitioner

If you’re a Registered Nurse wishing to move into a highly sought after Nurse Practitioner role, our Master of Nurse Practitioner program is for you.

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Master of Nursing

As a high achieving nurse, your commitment to continuous learning and development will see you take your nursing career to new heights with the Master of Nursing.

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Master of Public Health

By studying the Master of Public Health you will learn to monitor the health of a population, identify its health needs, and develop and implement policies that promote health, and evaluate health services.

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Master of Teaching (Primary)

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a two year program, producing outstanding graduates ready to enter a rewarding career as a primary teacher.

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2024 seed funded research with University of Waikato

Goal 3 = Projects on palliative care for Chinese elderly, indigenous medicinal plant knowledge Goal 4 = Project on indigenous perspectives on history Goal 5 = Project on contraceptive use for LGBTQ+ Goal 10 = Projects on contraceptive use for LGBTQ+, equitable practices to encourage indigenous GPs, indigenous perspectives on history, palliative care for Chinese elderly, indigenous medicinal plant knowledge Goal 13 = project on coastal science Goal 15 = Projects on AI Farming tool and biodiversity conservation

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2024 seed funded research with University of Waikato

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A game of rat and mouse: Scientists track the movements of bird-eating rodents on Norfolk Island

Scientists have completed their first field trip to Norfolk Island as part of a Resilient Landscapes Hub project that aims to protect rare birds by tracking the movements of introduced rats and mice on the island.

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A game of rat and mouse: Scientists track the movements of bird-eating rodents on Norfolk Island

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A Global Survey to Explore SDG Prioritisation Among Young People

CIFAL Newcastle is developing a survey to explore university students’ prioritisation and perceptions of the SDGs. It will also explore students characteristics to determine how these may impact prioritisation of SDGs, including gender, discipline of study or location.

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Carbon Emissions

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Conservation research saving Australia's frogs

University of Newcastle researchers have spent nearly three decades developing innovative solutions and world-first discoveries aimed at saving Australia’s threatened frog species.

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Delprat Cottage landscape remediation project lands prestigious Good Design Award

In recognition for outstanding design and innovation, the Delprat Cottage and Gardens has been awarded a Good Design Award Gold Winner Accolade in the Architectural Design category at the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards.

Delprat Cottage landscape remediation project lands prestigious Good Design Award

Explore how Delprat Garden sprouts new life on contaminated land

The Hunter community will have a chance to experience and explore an award-winning ‘living phytoremediation lab’ as Delprat Garden and Cottage opens its doors for a family-friendly event this weekend.

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Explore how Delprat Garden sprouts new life on contaminated land

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Green Impact

Hunter, Illawarra and Far West residents invited to share energy goals

As world leaders commence conversations in Glasgow for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, residents of the Hunter, Illawarra and Far West are being asked to contribute their thoughts on the future of energy in New South Wales.

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Hunter, Illawarra and Far West residents invited to share energy goals

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Innovative Technology Empowers Farmers

Dr Shaleeza Sohail from the School of Information and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle and Dr Harish Devaraj from the School of Engineering Teaching and Research at the University of Waikato are working together to develop a sophisticated AI-based system that collects and analyses agricultural data from localised zones.

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Koala conservation heats up: drones used to thermally detect animals

Conservation scientists from the University of Newcastle are using heat-detecting drones to capture data on koala populations in Port Stephens LGA.

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Koala conservation heats up: drones used to thermally detect animals

Conservation scientists from the University of Newcastle are using heat-detecting drones to capture data on koala populations in Port Stephens LGA.

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New approach to tackling mosquito-borne disease in the Hunter

New research to tackle one of Australia’s most prolific mosquitos, responsible for spreading most cases of Ross River virus, has commenced in the Hunter region of New South Wales.

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New approach to tackling mosquito-borne disease in the Hunter

New research to tackle one of Australia’s most prolific mosquitos, responsible for spreading most cases of Ross River virus, has commenced in the Hunter region of New South Wales.

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New research plants the seed to grow food crops with sea water

Budding new plant biology research is paving the potential to produce food crops that not only survive but thrive in salty conditions.

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New research plants the seed to grow food crops with sea water

Budding new plant biology research is paving the potential to produce food crops that not only survive but thrive in salty conditions.

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New research reveals encouraging step for Hunter renewal

New research has revealed that the majority of Hunter residents support the need for the region to transition to new sources of employment, a finding buffeted by the strong showings for the region in key social areas such as resilience and community.

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New research reveals encouraging step for Hunter renewal

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Pacific initiatives

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Projects funded in 2023 continue to deliver positive impact

Goal 3 Projects = Weight management survey, VR in rehabilitation, Healing Indigenous Plants, AI tool for collision intensity Goal 4 = enhancing indigenous capability with learning and animated videos Goal 10 = enhancing indigenous capability with learning and animated videos, child's rights in sports clubs Goal 15 = AI tool for farming

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Projects funded in 2023 continue to deliver positive impact

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Protecting coral reefs and extreme weather on earth and in space: $4.8m in ARC funding

Our environment and how we protect it will be a key focus for innovative researchers from the University of Newcastle, who were successful in the latest round of funding in from the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects Scheme.

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Protecting coral reefs and extreme weather on earth and in space: $4.8m in ARC funding

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Report: Australia’s first national park for koalas projected to generate $1.2 billion in economic output and 9,800+ jobs

A landmark study into Australia’s proposed first large national park dedicated to protecting koalas has projected additional regional economic output of $1.2 billion over the next 15 years and $1.7 billion in biodiversity value.

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Researchers awarded nearly half a million dollars to assist in resilience and recovery after Black Summer bushfires

A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle have been awarded $468,000 as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant to assist communities in recovery and resilience in the wake of the 2019-20 fires.

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Researchers awarded nearly half a million dollars to assist in resilience and recovery after Black Summer bushfires

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Screaming for attention: Surprise discovery of two new – and very loud – frog species

Scientists from the University of Newcastle, Australian Museum, South Australian Museum and Queensland National Parks and Wildlife have found and described two new, very loud, frog species from eastern Australia.

Screaming for attention: Surprise discovery of two new – and very loud – frog species

Solving the nation’s challenges: $3million in ARC funding

The Australian Research Council (ARC) has announced its latest rounds of funding for the Future Fellowships and DECRA schemes, with four University of Newcastle projects attracting funding of more than $3 million for projects of national importance.

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Solving the nation’s challenges: $3million in ARC funding

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Strengthening Partnerships for Resilience in the Pacific Islands Region

Representatives from the University of Newcastle attended the 31st Meeting of our partner organisation, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). The purpose of the visit was to enhance strategic engagement, foster collaboration,.

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Strengthening Partnerships for Resilience in the Pacific Islands Region

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Students band together to architect a future for koalas

A group of more than 20 University of Newcastle Architecture students have contributed their design skills to a project aimed at helping the endangered koala species.

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Students band together to architect a future for koalas

A group of more than 20 University of Newcastle Architecture students have contributed their design skills to a project aimed at helping the endangered koala species.

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Supporting environmental sustainability in Samoa

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The true impact of the Black Summer fires on frogs

The first extensive survey of amphibian communities since the 2019-20 Australian Black Summer bushfires has revealed the true impact of severe fire on frogs in eastern NSW.

The true impact of the Black Summer fires on frogs

The first extensive survey of amphibian communities since the 2019-20 Australian Black Summer bushfires has revealed the true impact of severe fire on frogs in eastern NSW.

The University of Newcastle and University of Waikato Seed Fund initiative

The University of Newcastle and Waikato University launched a seed fund initiative in 2023 to encourage research collaboration and many projects align with SDG goals.

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The University of Newcastle and University of Waikato Seed Fund initiative

The University of Newcastle and Waikato University launched a seed fund initiative in 2023 to encourage research collaboration and many projects align with SDG goals.

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The University of Waikato partnership

The University of Newcastle and University of Waikato have partnered to create new avenues for collaboration to increase research capabilities and engage with teaching, learning, health and professional knowledge exchange.

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University Of Newcastle Associates with the Village of Moata's to save the Mangroves

A recent significant progress occurred in Moana’s Living Lab initiative where the University of Newcastle and the village entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in November 2022. This partnership aims to facilitate research and tourism centered around the Samoan Mangrove Ecosystem.

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University Of Newcastle Associates with the Village of Moata's to save the Mangroves

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University Of Newcastle backs the 35th NSW Environmental Education Conference as Proud Sponsor

The University of Newcastle takes a proactive role as a sponsor for the 35th NSW Environmental conference contributing to the advancement of environmental awareness and education. The University’s Central Coast campus was excited to recently host the NSW Environmental Education Conference 2022.

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University Of Newcastle backs the 35th NSW Environmental Education Conference as Proud Sponsor

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University of Newcastle joins HEAL network to tackle health impacts of climate change

Australians will be better protected against the health impacts of climate change, thanks to the Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) network, with partners from across Australia, including the University of Newcastle, and $10 million in Federal Government funding.

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View more Sustainable Development Goal stories

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

Goal 15:Life on Land

Life on Land

Research Centres

Global Centre for Environmental Remediation

Global Centre for Environmental Remediation

Pacific Initiative

Pacific Initiative

Stories

2025

Air is an overlooked source of nutrients - evidence shows we can inhale some vitamins

2024

Conservative governments protect more land while socialists and nationalists threaten more species

The botanical imperialism of weeds and crops: how alien plant species on the First Fleet changed Australia

2022

Traditional knowledge key to solving the world’s plastics pollution disaster

News

2025

Building Partnerships and Biodiversity in the Cook Islands

Building Partnerships and Biodiversity in the Cook Islands

Celebrating Earth Science Week: Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future

Celebrating Earth Science Week: Exploring the Past, Shaping the Future

Collaborating for Change: Healthy Ageing Innovation Challenge Sparks Breakthrough Ideas for Equitable Ageing

Collaboration commitment to support Hunter wine industry’s future

Future leaders solving current problems

Future leaders solving current problems

Global effort to keep koalas safe

Legacy supports conservation research

Newly discovered Australian frogs highlight dire limits of climate change adaptation

Nine Newcastle teams secure $5.4m in ARC Discovery grants to unearth new knowledge

Nothing to waste in improving soil health

Scientists breed hope for endangered Littlejohn’s frog

Secret koala population uncovered on city fringe

2024

Revolutionising the RV Rental Market

Under their wing: new ornithology scholarship

2023

Local shorebird research takes flight

Planting the seeds for future discoveries

2022

Newcastle Startup leverages bespoke sensory technology to disrupt the agricultural industry and enable carbon sequestration – all in the fight against climate change

Events

2024

Glimpse inside clever minds at University Science Week event

Glimpse inside clever minds at University Science Week event

Newcastle’s largest reconciliation event Ngarrama returns stronger than ever

Newcastle’s largest reconciliation event Ngarrama returns stronger than ever

Partnering to prevent local extinction of threatened marsupial

Partnering to prevent local extinction of threatened marsupial

Degrees

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Bachelor of Education (Primary) (from 2026)

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours)

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy

Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology

Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Master of Clinical Epidemiology

Master of Midwifery (Graduate Entry)

Master of Nurse Practitioner

Master of Nursing

Master of Public Health

Master of Teaching (Primary)

More

2024 seed funded research with University of Waikato

2024 seed funded research with University of Waikato

A game of rat and mouse: Scientists track the movements of bird-eating rodents on Norfolk Island

A game of rat and mouse: Scientists track the movements of bird-eating rodents on Norfolk Island

A Global Survey to Explore SDG Prioritisation Among Young People

Carbon Emissions

Conservation research saving Australia's frogs

Delprat Cottage landscape remediation project lands prestigious Good Design Award

Delprat Cottage landscape remediation project lands prestigious Good Design Award

Explore how Delprat Garden sprouts new life on contaminated land

Explore how Delprat Garden sprouts new life on contaminated land

Green Impact

Hunter, Illawarra and Far West residents invited to share energy goals

Hunter, Illawarra and Far West residents invited to share energy goals

Innovative Technology Empowers Farmers

Goal 15:
Life on Land