Research in society
Solutions to environmental and sustainability challenges, be they at a global or local level, are best crafted with an understanding of the social, psychological, political and economic perspectives.
Our research seeks to combine human, political and social science with environmental and agricultural sciences to address issues in urban, rural and wildland ecosystems and communities.
Through this multi- and trans-disciplinary approach, we are able to tackle contemporary challenges such as improved urban food security, change management in agricultural communities and farm systems, community engagement for urban greening, participatory planning for future forest management.
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Environmental Social Science
Understanding how people relate to environments, ecosystems and non-human species, and how this knowledge can support more sustainable forests and cities.
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SAFES Excellence in Academic Teaching and Scholarship (SAFESEATS)
SAFESEATS members work across a range of education focused areas for innovation and impact in Teaching and Learning.
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Sustainable and Renewable Forest Products
The Sustainable and Renewable Forest Products Group creates knowledge and builds capability in the innovative uses of sustainably-managed timber resources for high-performance timber products.
Other affiliated research groups
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Agricultural Data Science
The Analytics, Modelling and Technology research group focuses on creating opportunities for innovation in big data to support the global efforts towards sustainable intensification of agriculture.
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Food Politics, Philosophy & Policy
The Food Politics, Philosophy & Policy research group carries out social science research on a range of issues across food systems, addressing policy issues, power relations and the governance of food systems.
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Foodprint Melbourne
The Foodprint Melbourne research group investigates policy and governance approaches to promote resilient, sustainable, healthy and equitable food systems in cities and regions.
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Rural Innovation Research Group
The Rural Innovation Research Group (RIRG) is a social science group that researches and designs innovative pathways for facilitating change and enabling social-ecological resilience.
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Sustainable Agricultural Production
The Sustainable Agricultural Production research group has internationally recognised expertise in sustainable intensification of crop, pasture and animal production.
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Urban Forests for Resilient Communities, Climate and Environment (UrbanFORCCE)
Improving the urban forest is central to many strategies that seek to mitigate urban heat, reduce air and water pollution and provide human-nature connections.