Professor Tim Flannery joins RMIT

Environmentalist, scientist, writer and researcher Professor Tim Flannery has joined RMIT University in the College of Design & Social Context, where he will help shape the future of the RMIT South Pacific Initiative.

His work will focus on supporting and building resilient communities across the South Pacific, including the development of energy sovereignty, renewables, social cohesion, climate change impact governance, sustainable water, and climate-resilient practices and infrastructures. He will also run an intensive course on Leadership, Climate Change and the Pacific.

Flannery is well known for his documentaries including Climate Changers (2023) and Wild Australasia (2003), and his more than 27 books including The Climate Cure (2020) and The Weather Makers (2005).

He said he is thrilled to work with RMIT’s College of Design & Social Context at a time when the university is focusing on regenerative futures and also seeking to bring new focus to its work across the South Pacific region.

“I applaud the forward-thinking agenda that RMIT’s College of Design and Social Context is bringing to advance societies across the South Pacific. Climate security — indeed all aspects of regional security — comes hand-in-hand with building capability and reciprocity across the region. RMIT as a dual sector, public-good university is an important contributor to this endeavour,” he said.

Flannery has held various positions, including Director of the South Australian Museum, Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Museum, and Visiting Chair in Australian Studies at Harvard University. He was named Australian of the Year in 2007 and has been Chief Councillor of the Climate Council since 2013.

In 2021, Flannery was awarded the Geddes Environment Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society for his work on climate change.

Professor Tim Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Design & Social Context, said Flannery will bring invaluable expertise and perspective to the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and regenerative futures.

“There’s no doubt that Tim is one of Australia’s leading voices on climate action and the unique ecosystems in the South Pacific. It is our great fortune to have Tim join the College of Design & Social Context to work alongside our academic and student community in pursuit of a more just, equitable and regenerative future.

“His extensive knowledge and experience will be instrumental in the creation of our new South Pacific Initiative and RMIT’s collaboration with partners in the region.”

The RMIT South Pacific Initiative activities will span teaching and learning, research, and public engagement, including advocacy and thought leadership. The initiative is expected to deliver intensive-mode courses and mentoring of early and mid-career academics, as well as undertaking partnered research projects, and engaging with RMIT’s growing numbers of government, community, business and third sector partners on advocacy and advancement.

The initiative has an initial focus on Melanesia, Tonga, Fiji and Papua and will co-design and facilitate capabilities, interventions and strategies across the region.

Image caption: Leading environmentalist, scientist, writer and researcher Professor Tim Flannery has joined RMIT in the College of Design & Social Context. Credit: Ant Bragaglia