Dear colleagues, 

After six months away on sabbatical at the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, it is great to be back. At Helsinki, the motto is ‘freedom to think’ – and it was exactly that. 

For the last few months, I have been developing a new project exploring the role of democratic innovation and action in the face of climate turbulence, as well as finishing up an ARC project on environmental justice.

I’ve had the privilege of presenting this work to, and learning from, a number of colleagues from around Europe, and look forward to building partnerships between new and old friends and work here at SEI.

It’s also been encouraging to engage a number of policy partners, from local government in Australia on the one hand to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on the other, who are keen to bring more consideration of justice into environmental and climate policymaking. 

It has also been both heartening and humbling to hear colleagues in Europe speak so highly of the work of SEI. SEI really is a respected model of multidisciplinary environmental research for impact. 

As I step back into the Director role, I would like to extend my thanks to Prof Danielle Celermajer for her outstanding role as Acting Director over the past six months. Her leadership and dedication have been invaluable to our ongoing efforts on a range of issues and projects.  

In addition, thanks to all of the staff at SEI, led by Emma Bones, for their ongoing support for the mission of SEI. I also have to thank Prof Kathy Belov, Pro-Vice Chancellor Global Engagement and Partnerships, for her support of my time away and the ongoing mission of SEI.