Media Release

March 17 2009

New Centre harnesses 'Citizen Science'

The new Centre will develop sustainable solutions to complex issues of natural environments. Photographer: John Hodgson. Citizen Science – a partnership between scientists and the community – will be one of the driving forces behind a new research centre at UniSA.

The Barbara Hardy Centre for Sustainable Urban Environments, which was officially launched on March 17, will work to develop sustainable solutions to complex issues of natural and built environments.

“Most importantly, we will be looking to promote the application of these solutions in urban communities, through multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches,” said Centre Director Professor Chris Daniels.

“We want to work with governments, business, other researchers and the public to get results and bring about real change.

“Citizen Science-style research will involve the general community, media organisations and our partnering research institutions and allow us to undertake large-scale research programs which could not be resourced in the usual manner.”

The Centre’s researchers already have had success with the high-profile projects such as Operation Possum and Operation Bluetongue. Now the state Department for Environment and Heritage and 891ABC Adelaide have pledged support for a new venture, Operation Magpie.

Members of the public will soon be encouraged to log onto the Operation Magpie website once it is operational, where there will be useful information on magpie behaviour and bird watching, and an online survey to help researchers understand how people interact with wildlife in their backyards.

“Maintaining biodiversity is a challenge for most cities, but steps taken to accommodate wildlife often have many benefits for people, increasing aesthetic appeal, enjoyment, and promoting healthy, outdoor activities,” said Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill.

“In addition, the common back yard is often the most accessible place people have to get up close and personal with South Australia’s wildlife, and where many attitudes toward the environment are formed.”

Prof Daniels said the Barbara Hardy Centre would focus on the role and interactions between the natural environment and the structure, nature and composition of human communities.

“We have projects under way in areas as diverse as avian influenza in migratory and urban birds and the future of the electricity distribution network,” he said.

“We are developing a biodiversity program for community developments such as Lochiel Park, Gawler-East and the new Clipsal site at Bowden and will be providing consultancy services to councils, architectural design firms, government and other relevant organisations.”

Prof Daniels said the Centre’s staff were honoured that Barbara Hardy had agreed to lend her name and reputation to the new initiative.

“Barbara is one of Australia’s environmental leaders and her deeds, approaches and personal philosophy concerning sustainability will provide the framework and ideals for our work,” he said.