Northern Institute

19/03/2026

How can blue carbon and environmental markets support Indigenous economic development and climate action, while protecting rights and culture?

A hub project led by the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) has explored how Indigenous rights, interests and aspirations intersect with Australia’s emerging blue carbon and environmental markets. The project involved researchers from Northern Institute/ Charles Darwin University and the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance Ltd ().

🔗https://www.nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/story/blue-carbon-and-environmental-markets-in-australia-understanding-the-opportunities-and-risks-for-indigenous-people/

📰NESP Marine and Coastal Hub

Australia has been described as a hotspot for blue carbon, which is the carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. Blue carbon

17/03/2026

Who benefits from household energy efficiency? ⚡🏠

A study from Riasad Amin, a Northern Institute PhD student, in the context of Darwin shows that concern about climate change motivates people to save electricity, but motivation isn’t enough. Homeowners and higher‑income households are far more able to upgrade homes, while renters face real barriers. Without structural support, energy transitions risk deepening inequality.

Interested? Read more on this article here👉 http://go.cdu.edu.au/frvq



Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Universities Australia Molly Wardaguga Research Centre First Nations Leadership - Charles Darwin University Northern Territory Government Menzies School of Health Research Northern Territory Renewable Energy (Solar Power, Electric Vehicles Etc)

13/03/2026

🌏✨ Leadership Opportunity in Northern Australia! ✨🌏

We’re seeking a bold, visionary academic leader 🧭 to shape the future of social and policy research 📊📚 in one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions.

🎓Director – Northern Institute
📍 Darwin | CDU’s new ‘Danala’ City Campus 🏙️🌴
🕒 Full-time | 5-year fixed-term senior appointment

🔍 About the Northern Institute
Northern Institute leads research on the big issues shaping Australia’s north, including:

🧠 Indigenous Knowledge & Governance
👥 Population, Workforce & Sustainable Economy
📈 Policy & Program Evaluation and Analysis
🏥📚 Education, Health & Community Wellbeing
🌱🌏 Environment, Climate Change & Indigenous Science

As Director, you will lead high-impact, multidisciplinary research 🔬✨ that delivers real-world outcomes locally, nationally and globally 🌐.

👤 About you
✔️ PhD with a strong record of original research
✔️ Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary teams
✔️ Proven success in securing major research funding 💰
✔️ Deep commitment to collaboration and innovation 🤝

🔥 Ready to influence national agendas, lead a passionate research community, & drive impact in a place like no other?☀️🌴⛵🐊 😎

⏰ Applications are now open
📅 Close 9 April 2026
🔗 Apply here: http://go.cdu.edu.au/fruahttp://go.cdu.edu.au/frua

Please share this exciting opportunity with any parties that might be interested!



Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Universities Australia Molly Wardaguga Research Centre First Nations Leadership - Charles Darwin University Menzies School of Health Research Northern Territory Government

13/03/2026

Recent flooding across the Northern Territory has led to a spike in crocodile sightings, particularly around Katherine and along the Daly River. While it may look like there are suddenly more crocodiles, the reality is different: this is the biggest flood Katherine has seen in 30 years, allowing crocodiles to move into areas they don’t normally access.

Most crocodiles being seen around Katherine are likely freshwater crocodiles, which pose little risk to people. However, saltwater crocodiles can also move inland during floods and may be present in smaller numbers. With floodwaters connecting rivers, creeks and billabongs, all flooded waterways should be treated as potentially dangerous. 🌊

Residents are urged to stay crocwise, avoid floodwater wherever possible, and keep pets, livestock and waste well away from water.
🐊

Read more on this article, written by Brandon Sideleau, PhD student at Northern Institute, studying human-saltwater crocodile conflict: 👉http://go.cdu.edu.au/frxq

See Brandon's Croc Attack Database here👉 https://crocattack.org/

Read more on staying croc-wise 👉 http://go.cdu.edu.au/fruq



Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Universities Australia Universities Australia Molly Wardaguga Research Centre First Nations Leadership - Charles Darwin University Menzies School of Health Research Northern Territory Government The Conversation Australia + NZ

12/03/2026

At Northern Institute, we would like to congratulate NI Honorary Researcher, Dr Don Zoellner for being one of the Keynote speakers for the AVETRA Conference 2026 🙌

Don has been a leading thinker in VET research for decades, offering critical insight into the structural, political and institutional dynamics shaping the sector.

Don has been an AVETRA member since 2010 and has served on the executive committee from 2021–24. During this time, he helped shape the organisation’s strategic direction through his work on the strategy committee, drafting submissions, reviewing policy and procedure documents, contributing to the Victorian Skills Authority research project, and assessing conference presentation proposals. He has also presented his research at 11 AVETRA conferences and events.

Northern Institute celebrates this exciting opportunity for Don! 🎊

For more information on AVETRA Conference 2026 ➡ visit https://avetra.org.au/



Charles Darwin University Universities Australia CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Northern Institute Molly Wardaguga Research Centre First Nations Leadership - Charles Darwin University

12/03/2026

A massive thank you to Associate Professor Tracy Woodroffe PhD and Dr Khushi Chauhan for delivering an insightful seminar on the signficance of cross-cultural communication in Indigenous-focused research.🙌

Their presentation highlighted the importance of culturally responsive communication, shared knowledge, and the respectful research partnership they developed throughout Dr Chauhan’s PhD journey, and we are thankful for the time and dedication they took into preparing the findings and recommendations for this project.

We also extend our thanks to all attendees, in-person at Danala and online, whose engagement and thoughtful contributions made for an amazing seminar. 🎉

Missed the seminar? Check out our YouTube recording 👉 http://go.cdu.edu.au/frwa

Stay posted for future seminars at Northern Institute.



Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Universities Australia Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Northern Institute First Nations Leadership - Charles Darwin University Northern Territory Government

08/03/2026

Strong voices. Bold research. Real impact.
From community-led research projects to shaping policy and empowering local voices, the women of the Northern Institute continue to lead with strength and purpose.

On International Women’s Day, Northern Institute celebrates your dedication, work and impact.

Check out more of our women-led events here 👉http://go.cdu.edu.au/f4ya


CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Molly Wardaguga Research Centre International Women's Day Universities Australia NT Working Women's Centre

05/03/2026

Massive congratulations to Rohan Fisher on being featured by the Australian Space Agency! 🚀

This profile highlights one of Northern Institute's phenomenal researchers. Rohan’s incredible work features delivering environmental and climate benefits on a continental scale, bushfire research through satellite data, and working to complement Indigenous knowledge systems around fire management.

He also continues to make an impact through NAFI (North Australia & Ragelands Fire Information), using information from satellites to display maps of fire activity.

This is a fantastic recognition of the innovation happening in northern Australia and the importance of using spatial and fire information to support communities, land managers, and emergency responses.

From Northern Institute, well done, Rohan; truly inspiring work! 👏🔥🌏

Check out Rohan's full profile here:
https://www.space.gov.au/rohan-fisher



CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Charles Darwin University Universities Australia Menzies School of Health Research RIEL - Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods

05/03/2026

Recently, Dr Kerryn O’Rourke, Senior Research Fellow and Associate Lead of the Realist Evaluation, Research and Learning Initiative in the Northern Institute, joined Alejandro Bullon to explore how realist approaches can be applied rigorously and ethically in cross-cultural research contexts.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📄 Full transcript available via RAICES

Click the links below to listen in on this insightful Podcast 👇

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IhV7ltkb3jyyin9LIQ9nV?si=lttxke1qTa6znybMTCgabA
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-realist-lens-for-researchers-who-keep-it-real/id1812066544
YouTube: https://youtu.be/o4Wb6bDcki4
RAICES: https://www.raicesrealista.com/la-lente-realista



Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Universities Australia Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Menzies School of Health Research

In this episode of The Realist Lens, Alejandro is joined by Dr Kerryn O’Rourke, public health researcher, realist evaluator, and Co-Lead of the Realist Resea...

05/03/2026

Join us this Saturday for the International Women’s Day Walk! 💜

Everyone is invited to come together at CDU Danala for the Walk for Rights, Justice and Action.

📍 CDU Danala | Education and Community Precinct
🕗 Saturday 8 March 8:00 am - 11 am
👣 Long and shorter walking routes available

Stalls, Workshops, Food and Activities for Kids available after the walk. Let’s step out, connect and celebrate the incredible strength and contribution of women across the Northern Territory and around the world.

Co-hosted by CDU and the UN Association Australia, and proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government

For more information, visit 👉 http://go.cdu.edu.au/f6ma

Bring your friends, family and colleagues — all are welcome.


Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Molly Wardaguga Research Centre International Women's Day United Nations Association of Australia National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women's Alliance Strong Women For Healthy Country Network HEAL Network Northern Territory Government

03/03/2026

Associate Professor Tracy Woodroffe joined the Courageous Dialogues Podcast with host Tanya Moran for a special 3-part series recently. Click on the post below to learn more.👇🏼
🎧 www.courageousdialogues.com/episodes/tracywoodroffe


Charles Darwin University First Nations Leadership - Charles Darwin University CDU Faculty of Arts and Society Universities Australia Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education RTO 0383 Menzies School of Health Research Molly Wardaguga Research Centre

Join Tanya Moran and Dr Tracy Woodroffe to go 'Beyond the Blind Spots' in First Nations Education. Discover practical steps for equity and teacher representation.