Sydney Environment Institute
Newsletter
September 2025
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Dear SEI Community,
Last month, SEI hosted the third public panel of its Climate Justice Series, What ‘nature positive’ means in practice. Chaired by SEI Deputy Director Prof Carolyn Hogg, the expert panel debated the use of the term ‘nature positive’, its role in conservation, policy, and finance, as well as who stands to benefit from its use. The recording of the event is now available on the SEI podcast.
We also concluded another phase in our five-year review process in August. The review panel visited SEI and will consider the insights gathered, along with our report, to write their recommendations for SEI and the University. We would like to thank the panel, comprised of Chair Prof Hugh Possingham, Dr Georgina Kelly, and Prof Robyn Dowling, as well as Kristin Taylor from the Research Portfolio, for their time and guidance throughout the process. Thank you also to all of the members and partners who participated in the review panels. We look forward to receiving the panel recommendations later in the year and incorporating them into our next five-year plan. We look forward to sharing our 2026-2030 strategy with you then.
I would like to remind members (internal, University of Sydney staff only) that our 2026 collaborative grant scheme is now open. Applications close on 18 September, and we look forward to receiving your proposals for new multidisciplinary projects.
I would also like to celebrate our members’ latest achievements, including Deep Water by Dr James Bradley being shortlisted for a 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Award, new publications by Dr Susan Park and Dr Oliver Summerfield-Ryan, Dr Rebecca McNaught, and Prof Melissa Haswell, a new book by Dr Sophie Chao, and a 2025 NSW Young Tall Poppy Award for Dr Ros Gloag. It is always great to see the breadth and depth of research by the SEI network and our members being recognised for their work.
The next SEI newsletter will reach your inboxes in November. Until then, stay safe.
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Rethinking growth: degrowth, regenerative and well-being economies
The panel will be chaired by SEI Deputy Director Prof Danielle Celermajer at the Law Foyer, Level 2, New Law Building (F10) at the University of Sydney's Camperdown campus, from 6-7:30pm.
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 | 'Nature positive' podcast now available
| |  | Multispecies justice webinar with SEI Deputy Director
Join SEI Deputy Director Prof Danielle Celermajer and SEI member Dr Christine Winter at Kinship: Exploring Multi-Species Justice, hosted by the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA),UTS Transdisciplinary School, and Future Dreaming on Wed 17 Sep, at 12pm. | |
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 | SEI statement on the opinion of the International Court of Justice
In July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released its advisory opinion, Obligations of States in respect of climate change. SEI released a statement reflecting on the implications of the advisory opinion, the most significant ruling on environmental questions in ICJ's history. | |  | New book explores hunger through Indigenous lens
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In case you missed it
- SEI member Dr James Bradley has been shortlisted for a 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Award, in the non-fiction category, for his book Deep Water (Penguin Random House).
- SEI member Dr Ros Gloag is one of three Sydney early career researchers to win a 2025 NSW Young Tall Poppy award, recognised for outstanding achievements in their fields.
- SEI member Dr Aysu Kuru is leading interdisciplinary research exploring how building-integrated greenery can significantly boost urban biodiversity and foster healthier ecosystems.
- Couldn’t make it to the Natural Hazards Research Forum 2025 or just want to revisit the highlights? Access the Forum collections page with recordings, images, and more.
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