We work to create a world that is socially, ecologically and economically just and safe, where everyone has the resources and skills they need to flourish. ISF brings together expertise from a diverse range of disciplines to deliver practical solutions for our partners, and to empower our students to effect positive change in the years to come.
Recent news
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25 years of partnering for impactISF celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary with a party and a showcase of high-impact projects.
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Community energy project switches into gearEnergy monitors installed in houses and businesses for phase two of multi-year project.
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Creating an inclusive water workforceRepresentatives from the Cambodian and Australian water sectors are sharing information, governance models and experiences to create meaningful change.
Research projects and impact
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PROJECT | 2020
Environmentally responsible trade in waste plastics
Understanding how trading plastics for recycling affects ocean pollution, and finding ways to lessen the problem.
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How can we limit global warming to 1.5°C?ISF researchers have developed energy-related carbon budgets for a sustainable pathway towards 1.5°C.
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How can coal workers benefit from a renewables jobs boom?An ISF study shows that while renewable energy can be a major source of jobs in the next 15 years, the outcomes for coal workers will depend on a clear transition strategy.
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IMPACT STORY
ISF helps the Australian Volunteer Program
ISF maps the alignment of the Australian Volunteer Program with the priorities set out by the Australian Government and demonstrates contribution to Australia’s aid program.
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PROJECT | 2021
New South Wales’ coolest public park
New smart technology set to change water management practices throughout communities with Sydney Olympic Park as the first innovative project.
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Transitioning the water industry with the circular economyThe water industry needs to unlock the benefits of a circular economy approach by better managing resources.
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Phosphorus: the missing ingredient for food securityThe world can’t produce food without phosphorus yet the mineral is scarce. Australian experts have been responsible for alerting the world to a global problem.
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IMPACT STORY
Astute analysis paves the way for ATN emission cuts
ISF’s sophisticated analysis was behind a dramatic cut in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by the Australian Technology Network of Universities.
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“We have commissioned research on sustainability issues from every continent. ISF are at the top in terms of inter-disciplinary skills and experience, creating new ways to analyse and understand issues, and delivering projects. Whether they are facilitating a day with business leaders in India or writing new research based upon analysis and meetings with a range of multi-national corporates, we would recommend partnering with ISF to better understand a sustainable future.”
— Sustainable Funds Group, Stewart Investors
Who we work with
Working together to create change
Stuart White: ISF has a vision to make the world a better place. Part of that is through our mission, which is to create change towards sustainable futures.
Damien Giurco: We do this by partnering with government, industry and the community to engage in transdisciplinary research around complex challenge, that can help us deliver insights that create impact.
Dani Alexander: Sustainability really comes down to being able to live not at the expense of future generations, and hopefully putting them in a better position than we have been in.
Stuart White: Communities are in peril, so we need to ensure that we keep improving sustainability, to create change towards sustainable futures in everything we do, whether it’s as individuals, as societies, as communities, but also as researchers.
Dani Alexander: We’re lucky enough to be an independent research unit within a university, and that’s really core, I think, to the work that we do, that we are independent.
Damien Giurco: And the thing that we do uniquely is not only understand models and visions of what needs to happen, but think practically, ‘How can we work together with government and industry to make it happen in practice?’.
Dani Alexander: And we work directly with them, rather than at arm’s length so that we can see, I guess, the concept from development, all the way to implementation and, hopefully, to positive impact.
Stuart White: That’s why all our researchers have to think and operate in a completely transdisciplinary way. Because that’s how the problems of the world present themselves to us.
Dani Alexander: And it does probably come down to passion; everyone that works here at ISF is passionate about what they do and that really comes out any time you talk to them, but it’s also inclusive. And it’s just such a nice environment to be part of.
/ENDS
