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 […]
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 […]
In the news: Ensuring equitable access to nature in cities
Catch our own Sarah Bekessy on the Inclusive Agenda podcast. Sarah discusses her recent work on ensuring equitable access to nature in the city for vulnerable communities. Click here
Examining connection to nature at multiple scales provides insights for urban conservation
New research into Melburnians’ connection to nature is helping the City of Melbourne understand how to engage its community members in conservation efforts. The study, led by RMIT University in collaboration with the City of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology, surveyed over 1,500 City of Melbourne residents and visitors on their connection to nature and found […]
Practical Solutions for Regenerating Natural Systems in our Cities
Recently, myself and another PhD Student in the ICON Science lab attended an event at the MPavillion initiative. The MPavillion is an annual celebration of architecture and design in Melbourne, coordinated by the Urban Design Forum. Specifically, it focuses on creative collaboration for community art and wellbeing. Each year since its inception in 2014, the […]
Outreach: Why we should shatter Melbourne’s concrete creeks
Cities like Melbourne are increasingly looking to tear up their concrete drains and restore natural waterways. Why is this and how can it best be done to create more natural, healthy and biodiverse cities? Click here
PhD Opportunity: Beyond green facades – integrating natural ecologies and the built environment
PhD Advertisement Title: Beyond green facades – integrating natural ecologies and the built environment Description: This PhD challenges the status quo of ‘green’ architecture by addressing critical research gaps in the fields of natural ecology and the built environment to develop ecologically-driven architectural/landscape/urban design. By integrating ecological knowledge and understanding, designers can produce urban environments […]
PhD Opportunity: Nature as medicine: can a dose of the outdoors cure loneliness?
PhD Advertisement: Nature as medicine: can a dose of the outdoors cure loneliness? Description: This PhD is part of an NHMRC/European Commission funded project exploring the benefits of prescribing nature-based social activities to reduce loneliness and improve mental health. The project aims to better understand the effects of green space and biodiversity on loneliness and […]
Work with us!
Research Fellow (RECETAS project) We are currently looking for a Research Fellow for an exciting, interdisciplinary, 4 year postdoc looking at the use of nature based prescribing to treat loneliness! 1x part time (0.5FTE), fixed term (4 years) position available Salary Level at Academic Level B1 ($100,465) + 17% Super Be part of global multidisciplinary […]
Invertebrate use of rooftops in Melbourne
Green roofs are a peculiar kind of designed habitat. In already highly urbanised areas, where there is large pressure on efficient land use, green roof retrofits are a key strategy to bring back nature without losing building capital. While green roofs are known to have many economic and social benefits, such as stormwater retention and […]