Our world is shaped by diverse forces.
The world we live in is complex. From the intricate network of relationships that make up our natural environment to the physical, chemical and biological forces that shape it, nothing exists in a vacuum. To manage our natural resources and plan for a sustainable future, we need to understand how these elements interrelate and the science behind them.
Like ecosystems, Flinders University’s science, environment and natural resources research benefits from diversity. It consists of collaborations between a rich and varied range of scientific methods, an interdisciplinary approach that ensures Flinders leaves no stone unturned when it comes to better understanding our world. Some of our areas of research focus include groundwater and water resources, palaentology, climate, marine biology, coasts and oceans, and environmental health.
Discover how Flinders is making a difference to our culture, economy, environment, society and world.
Oil is not the only precious liquid under our feet.
Water. It’s all around us. And yet, water poverty is a global crisis that affects every continent on earth and reportedly kills 1.5 million children every year.
But thankfully, we’re on top of the answer. Literally.
Ninety eight per cent of the fresh water on earth is groundwater, and may very well be vital for our survival.
Flinders is a global leader in this precious, hidden resource. We’re looking into how to harvest it sustainably, and how to stop it becoming polluted, not just by chemicals but by seawater and other naturally occurring contaminants.
Flinders research into groundwater is making a difference.
Wrestling with the Goldfish Myth
Professor Craig Simmons, the Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, is forging ahead to understand better ways to preserve and manage water both in Australia and around the world.
Mysteries of the deep
Dr Charlie Huveneers is improving our understanding of the ecology and biology of white sharks.
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For the love of sea
Luciano Beheregaray and Luciana Möller are identifying trends that will tell us about the past and future of aquatic life.
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A throwaway society
What’s the appropriate treatment of your pets? PhD student Zoei Sutton is investigating.
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Bombs and bouquets
Associate Professor Claire Lenehan’s skill in working with micro materials that enables her research to be applied to so many fields.
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Chasing the ochre trails
Dr Rachel Popelka-Filcoff is using nuclear spectroscopy to examine the origins of ochres used in Aboriginal objects.
Read morePalaeontology
Professor John Long
Strategic Professor in Palaeontology
Professor Long is a distinguished Australian palaeontologist who studies the evolution of vertebrates in order to unravel the early stages of how the modern vertebrate body plan was assembled.
Professor Long made headlines around the world and earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records in 2008 when he and his team discovered that an ancient fish gave birth to live young.
Hydrology/hydrogeology
Professor Okke Batelaan
Strategic Professor of Hydrology
Professor Batelaan’s research focus involves groundwater modelling, aquifer consumption and recharge, and the impact of climate change on groundwater.
He works closely with the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training.
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South Australia 5042
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