Research and knowledge-exchange partnerships
The Institute has developed a number of research partnerships with community, academic and government organisations.
Greening Australia (Victoria)
In February 2012, La Trobe University signed a memorandum of understanding with Greening Australia (Victoria). Greening Australia activities include revegetation and bush regeneration, landscaping, weed control and direct seeding. The organisation collects identifies and supplies seed, and, most importantly, provides education and training. Greening Australia is a not for profit business that engages in projects addressing business administration, commercialisation, research and development activity and governance issues.
The partnership, facilitated by the Institute, is working to develop research collaborations, identify opportunities for teaching and learning, and provide a range of education and community services, overseen by a partnership advisory committee.
Greener Government Buildings program
La Trobe University is in the Greener Government Buildings program.
The Institute has been involved in the program at various stages, most notably in the Learning and Research Working Group. This group was set up to provide expert advice to the project development group on sustainable development learning and research opportunities arising from the implementation of the Greener Government Buildings program at the University. The aim is to engage staff and students of the University in projects associated with the program, through internships and other involvement in energy efficiency works.
Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research
The Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research (VCCCAR) was established with Victorian Government funding in 2009 to assist government and other relevant agencies by undertaking climate change adaptation research. Through research and recommendations, the Centre contributes to the development of strategies to implement effective adaptation measures.
The Centre's research program involves multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams to address priorities identified by the Victorian Government. It also sponsors regional think-tanks, stages an annual forum and supports a visiting fellowship program.
The Institute and La Trobe University researchers have been involved in a number of VCCCAR initiatives, including the think tanks: ‘Incorporating climate change impacts and adaptation into capital investment decision-making’ and ‘Regional business development in a variable and changing climate: strategies for central Victoria’, the 2011 Annual Forum, as members of the Advisory Board and Implementation Committee, and heading a number of research projects.
National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility
The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility is a partnership between the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and Griffith University, with a consortium of other funding partners. NCCARF’s mission is ‘To generate the biophysical, social and economic information needed by decision-makers in government, and in vulnerable sectors and communities, to manage the risks of climate change impacts, by leading the research community in a national interdisciplinary effort’.
