Research at MSI

MSI coordinates world-class interdisciplinary research at Monash University to find new solutions to today’s climate change and sustainability challenges. MSI undertakes and participates in a wide range of research programs and initiatives and supports postgraduate research in sustainability-related areas.

In addition, MSI can assist Monash researchers and external stakeholders to develop or undertake sustainability-related research at Monash by:

• Assembling, facilitating and coordinating multi-disciplinary research teams
• Developing research projects, research centres and ongoing collaborations
• Undertaking research within MSI
• Advising government and industry
• Making connections between people, both within Monash and between Monash and external stakeholders
• Providing advice and assistance to faculties on recruitment of sustainability research practitioners

This covers all forms of research across the sustainability spectrum, including theoretical, experimental and technological, policy development, needs and impact assessments, and evaluation and action research.

Research Programs & Initiatives

	Monash Water for Liveability Monash Water for Liveability is the new name of the Centre for Water Sensitive Cities, following the creation of the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities. This program aims to play a pivotal role in transforming Australian cities and their communities in ways that will help them live in harmony with natural water environments and become resilient to current and future challenges.
	International WaterCentre The International WaterCentre is a joint venture of four leading Australian universities that provides education and training, applied research and expert services to promote a whole-of-water cycle approach and develop capacity in integrated water resource management around the world.
	Natural Resource Management in Asia in Response to Climate Change The projects in this AusAID-funded portfolio focus on bringing together multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder teams to develop climate change adaptation and mitigation policies and natural resource management frameworks in South and South East Asia.
	BehaviourWorks Australia BehaviourWorks Australia works collaboratively to build understanding and develop applied approaches to influence the everyday decisions that are integral to living in a sustainable world. It's mission is to be an internationally-recognised behaviour change research centre for environmental sustainability.
	Soil Carbon Program The Monash Soil Carbon Program is a multidisciplinary program that pulls together Monash's considerable soil research expertise under the stewardship of the Monash Sustainability Institute (MSI). Our joint aim is to address the sustainability and climate change challenges of soil health, soil productivity and carbon storage in Australia.
	Australian Bushfire Arson Prevention Initiative A partnership of MSI, the Monash Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Bond University, established with funding from RACV Insurance, which aims to advance national action on bushfire arson prevention.
	Monash Climate, Biodiversity and Health Program This program aims to identify and explore new and emerging research questions and build knowledge related to the health consequences of climate change and the decline in biodiversity.
	Systemic Governance Research Program A program exploring the practical and theoretical robustness of current water and climate change governance regimes and develops new models and strategies to make future governance fit-for-purpose in a climate-changing world. Contact: Professor Ray Ison
	The Interface between Social and Environmental Sustainability This program looks at how social and environmental sustainability are inter-related and at how policy solutions would maximise outcomes in both areas. It focuses on policy and community engagement in climate change mitigation and adaptation; the provision of land transport and its interconnections with social inclusion; and the measurement of social and environmental sustainability. Contact: Dr Janet Stanley
	Sustainable Cities Program This program seeks to better understand the many challenges facing urban form, especially those relating to climate change. In particular, it aims to identify responses to the challenges of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a city that is inclusive, accessible and has high liveability.
	Postgraduate Research Unit MSI offers the opportunity to undertake a Research Masters or PhD on an issue related to sustainability.
	Indigenous Communities and Climate Change MSI is working in partnership with Indigenous communities and organisations to understand how climate change and natural resource management policies affect traditional livelihoods, values, practices and needs. The aim of this work is to assist the communities to respond to the climate change and have a stronger say in policies and management decisions affecting their traditional lands.
	Developing Victoria's Geothermal Energy Resource With support from the Monash Sustainability Institute, a small scale prototype has been built and demonstrated proof of concept by producing an impressive 800W of electrical power.

See also the MSI Publications & Policy page for reports on completed projects.