“Our research expertise within Environmental Sustainability relies on insights from the life and ecological sciences, as well as sociology, sustainable development, social ecology, environmental humanities, design, engineering, green IT, public health, education, law and economics.” Associate Professor Juan Salazar, Environment and Sustainability Research Theme Champion
The Research Theme Champions initiative was established in 2016 by appointing Western Sydney University academics tasked with creating flexible team structures for collaborative research; developing an overarching vision for their research theme connected to society’s grand challenges; increasing research output and impact in complex and interdisciplinary research areas; mapping of research focus in the University; servicing those areas of research strengths; and, increasing awareness of, capacity within, and alignment with the designated University research themes. The Theme Champions and Theme Fellows have been appointed across the four Research Themes. Find out more about each of our research themes (opens in a new window).
Theme Champions
Education and Work
Environment and Sustainability
Health and Wellbeing
Urban Living Futures and Society
Research Theme Fellows
The Theme Fellows support the research programs initiated by the Theme Champions. One fellow has been appointed for each theme:
Key Roles and Activities
Leadership
In their roles, Theme Champions are ressponible for the development of a vision and strong working relationships between Institutes, Schools and Centres conducting research to coordinate and monitor interdisciplinary research teams under their theme. They also mentor early and mid-career researchers to progress their career goals and contribute to the development of a collegial and collaborative culture among Western Sydney University researchers.
Theme Storms
Theme Storms bring together key academics working within a theme area to discuss collaborative research programs and funding opportunities. They also serve as a discovery session for Western’s academics to map out research areas of mutual interest.
Seed Funding
Theme Champions have access to a pool of funding to accelerate existing and seed new collaborative research projects.
