Sunshine, Science and Nature-Positive Cities: ICON at ESA 2025
From Sunday 23 to Friday 28 November 2025, ecologists from across Australia gathered in Adelaide on Kaurna Country for the annual Ecological Society of Australia (ESA) Conference. With sunshine, stimulating conversations and a packed scientific program, it was a memorable week for the nine ICON Science members who attended and presented their research. Dr Nita Lauren kicked off the […]
Helping our feathered neighbours thrive
Spring is in the air, Guardian Australia’s ‘Bird of the Year’ poll is now open, and the Aussie Bird Count is just around the corner – what better time to stop and think about how you can support native birds in your street, park or garden! Dr Jacinta Humphrey recently spoke to the Guardian Australia […]
How to turn your home into a wildlife refuge
Cities have an important role to play in providing habitat for our native animals, plants and insects. Last week, Bethany Kiss, RMIT University, published an article in The Conversation with 8 helpful tips on how people can turn their homes into refuges for wildlife. The article cites the work of the authors explored in their […]
NGV Exhibition: When wildlife moves in
Native animals can make for excellent neighbours – blue-banded bees pollinate our vegetable gardens; microbats eat up to 1200 mosquitoes per night; powerful owls keep rodents at bay. But could we go one step further and design our homes so that we could have native animals as housemates? Bethany Kiss’ design piece ‘When wildlife moves […]
ICON member live on 3RRR: The value of informal green spaces
Dr Hugh Stanford was recently invited to talk about his research on a local Melbourne radio show called ‘Einstein A Go-Go’ on the 3RRR station. Hosted by Dr Shane Huntington, the aim of the show is “Exploring the wonders of science and its impact on the world. Dissection and discussion of science and science issues […]
Future visioning for nature positive
The nature positive agenda requires transformative change and innovative approaches that move beyond business-as-usual. In an article recently published in npj Urban Sustainability, Dr Jacinta Humphrey and colleagues, demonstrate the use of visioning and target setting to create an actionable roadmap to a ‘nature positive’ future (Humphrey et al. 2025). An online workshop was held […]
Golf courses as safe havens for wildlife and biodiversity
Golf courses are often perceived to be detrimental to nature. Last week, Dr Jacinta Humphrey, RMIT University, published an article in The Conversation offering a different point of view. Dr Humphrey explains that the pockets of vegetation between the main grassy areas of golf courses — also known as the “rough” — are often home […]
ICON team members take on ESA 2024
From 9-13 December 2024, multiple ICON team members attended and presented research at the Ecological Society of Australia (ESA) conference held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The ESA conference showcases the science of ecology in Australia and explores connections between science theory, research, policy and on-ground outcomes (ESA 2024). Photo credit: Dr […]
Nature Pledge for Developers: Growing homes, growing nature
Australia needs more housing. But major expansions in residential and commercial developments could pose risks to remaining threatened species habitats, resulting in detrimental consequences for our lives and our country (Biodiversity Council 2024a). In response to this problem, Professor Sarah Bekessy has created a Nature Pledge for Developers to create a framework for developers / […]
Ecology insights for the property sector
ICON Science recently partnered with Nature Collective to organise the first session of their ‘Nature Insights Series’ entitled ‘Ecology Insights for the Property Sector.’ The Nature Insights Series is led by Nature Collective, a design & consulting practice dedicated to nature-based solutions in the built environment. The intent of the series is to connect nature, […]