Curtin sustainability institute to lead debate

Curtin University of Technology has opened its multimillion-dollar Australian Sustainable Development Institute (ASDI), which combines the resources and brain power of 16 research centres.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket said that ASDI, which has a wider breadth of research than any other sustainability institute in Australia, would allow Curtin to maintain its leadership in sustainable development.

“Societies right across the world are facing a number of complex global issues associated with climate change, resource scarcity and population growth,” Hacket said.

“Due to these concerns, sustainable development has become increasingly important to individuals, communities, business and industry, and policy makers at all levels."

The launch of ASDI is a continuation of Curtin’s sustainability focus, which included the establishment of the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP) in 2008.

CUSP, along with 15 other existing research centres and institutes, will make up ASDI, providing a wide range of expertise to engage in inter-disciplinary environmental, social, economic and governance research.

ASDI Chair, Keith Spence, said the institute’s research capability would provide broad benefits to the community.

“ASDI will provide the best possible scientific and policy advice to government, industry and society,” Spence said.