Major collaborations – Clusters

CSIRO has been a partner in a number of research cluster initiatives including:

• South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative
• Climate and Health Cluster
• Climate Adaptation Engineering for Extreme Events Cluster
• Coastal Collaboration Cluster

South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative

South-east Queensland’s growing population and coastal location make it particularly vulnerable to climate change.

The region’s human settlements, infrastructure, unique ecosystems and primary industries all face threats from more extreme weather events, increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns.

These changes have the potential to dramatically affect our lifestyles, environment and economy. However, climate change may also bring economic and social opportunities.

The South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative (SEQ-CARI) was established to examine south-east Queensland’s vulnerability to climate change, and develop practical, cost-effective strategies to help the region adapt. It was the first comprehensive, regional study of climate change adaptation in Australia, and one of just a few worldwide.

State and local governments, industries and community groups were key participants in the research program, which involved more than 30 scientists from the CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship, Griffith University, The University of the Sunshine Coast and The University of Queensland.

The initiative was supported by funding from all four research organisations, the Queensland Government Smart State Innovation Fund, and the Australian Government Department of Climate Change.

Read more about SEQ-CARI

Climate and Health Cluster

With $3.15m provided over three years through CSIRO’s Flagship Collaboration Fund, the Climate and Health Cluster fostered collaborative research into developing strategies to tackle climate change related health issues ranging from the spread of mosquito-borne diseases to heat stress, air pollution and food security.

Managed by CSIRO, the Cluster’s members were: The Australian National University, The University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne, University of Western Sydney, Curtin University, James Cook University, the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the international design and engineering firm, Arup.

Read more about the Climate and Health Cluster

Climate Adaptation Engineering for Extreme Events Cluster

Australia is a continent subject to extreme weather events such as cyclones, storms, floods and heatwaves. The social and economic impact of these natural disasters totals billions of dollars per year.

Led by the University of Newcastle, the cluster brought together diverse research capabilities from CSIRO, University of New South Wales, Swinburne University of Technology, The University of Western Australia, and James Cook University.

The cluster aimed to assess the risks, benefits, and costs of climate adaptation strategies, to find solutions that are practical and cost-effective.

Read more about the Climate Adaptation Engineering for Extreme Events Cluster

Coastal Collaboration Cluster

Coasts are under threat from the often competing demands for food, recreation, habitats, waste treatment, materials and development opportunities. The Coastal Collaboration Cluster was a major three-year research program that developed approaches to better connect science with the needs of governments, communities and industries to meet coastal challenges.

The Cluster united diverse research capabilities from Curtin University of Technology, Deakin University, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Tasmania, University of Wollongong and CSIRO.

Read more about the Coastal Collaboration Cluster