Welcome
Sustainability has been an area of expertise at the University of South Australia for many years and is now one of three thematic priorities - sustainability, healthy lifestyles and the management and modelling of complex systems.
This commitment to make a difference was strengthened in 2006 when the University officially launched the Institute for Sustainable Systems and Technologies as a flagship institute. ISST's brief is wide-ranging yet strategic to develop systems and technologies that will sustain ecosystems and facilitate social and economic development while optimising the use of natural resources; to minimise waste, emissions and other environmental consequences; and to reduce costs.
Focusing on research, development, consulting, testing, monitoring and analysis in the areas of built environment and sustainable development, ISST embraces work carried out within the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment.
It has synergies with many research University centres but especially complements the output of the Hawke Research Institute for Sustainable Societies. Both are committed to real world and realistic enquiry driven by collaborations with partners from industry, the professions, government and community groups.
Our vision is to be a leader in harnessing systems and technologies to balance the demands of human development with the needs of the natural environment.
The technologies and systems we develop are both leading edge and relevant to ensure they are related to the needs of people who will use and implement them.
ISST researchers can be engaged in different ways that suit the needs of end users. These include:
- Short-term consultancies to provide targeted expert advice.
- Contract research provided by multidisciplinary teams specifically created from the right mix of researchers.
- Leveraged research programs for medium- to long-term needs.
- Industry-based education programs tailored to specific organisational or industry situations.
- Independent testing services for projects and products that require independent assessment under specific conditions using specialised equipment.
- PhD projects through scholarships for PhD students.
Professor Michael Taylor
Director, ISST