Curtin Molecular and Life Sciences

Curtin Molecular and Life Sciences This page introduces the things we do, the environments where we work and some of the remarkable biodiversity that we study.

We are ready to collaborate and inspire the new environmental scientists to engage in this remarkable World. We participate in urban antics with the wildlife of the world’s most reptile-diverse city. We engage from pre-mining to mine closure in the challenging environments of a global biodiversity Hotspot. We develop a deep understanding of rare species such as the Albany Pitcher Plant, Tingle tre

es and echidnas to enable persistence of this wondrous biodiversity in our changing world. We work in amazingly diverse marine environments like Ningaloo and the Kimberleys. We help to rebuild damaged ecosystems in transformed environments. Studying Environmental Biology or Coastal and Marine Science in Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University can give you the wherewithal to make your contribution in today’s challenging times. At Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University we offer four majors in a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Biology, Coastal and Marine Science, Environmental Science and Agribusiness). We also contribute to double degrees in Environmental Biology and Arts, Environmental Biology and Commerce, Coastal and Marine Science and Arts, Coastal and Marine Science and Commerce, as well as a double degree in Applied Geology and Environmental Biology.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Curtin Alumni Awards! 🎉✨The Curtin Alumni Awards celebrate the incredible achievem...
20/05/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Curtin Alumni Awards! 🎉✨

The Curtin Alumni Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our global alumni community - those shaping industries, strengthening communities, and inspiring others along the way. 🌏🎓

If you know a Curtin University graduate uplifting their communities or innovating with purpose, now is your chance to nominate them for a Curtin Alumni Award. 🏆

Alumni can be nominated across a range of award categories, with nominations open until 🚨 5 PM (AWST), Friday 5 June 2026.

Find out more about this year’s awards and how to nominate here 🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/thhtxsvexy

Explore the intersections of polymers, 3D printing and health at the 2026 Bayliss Youth Lecture!The WA Branch of the RAC...
29/04/2026

Explore the intersections of polymers, 3D printing and health at the 2026 Bayliss Youth Lecture!

The WA Branch of the RACI is delighted to present the 2026 Bayliss Youth Lecture and Chemaradarie at Curtin on Wednesday 29 April at 6pm. This year’s lecture will be presented by David Morrison, BSc (Hons), PhD, MRACI CChem, from the East Metropolitan Health Service (Royal Perth Hospital) and University of Western Australia (Perth Biodesign) and explore 'Polymers, 3D printing and innovation in healthcare'.

In this lecture, David will:

Look at the role of polymers in WA medical innovations including the world's first artificial cornea

Share some insight into pioneering in-hospital 3D printing for patient-specific medical devices

Share insight into manufacturing emergency personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

Draw on his experience across a range of contexts in healthcare, research and innovation

You can register for the Bayliss Youth Lecture 🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/cjvmwtqptf

If you cannot attend the Curtin lecture, you can attend others in the series. Links are below:

📅 7:00 PM Tuesday 28 April at UWA
📅 7:00 PM Friday 8 May at ECU Joondalup Campus

Got Further Questions?
Please direct all further enquires to [email protected]

Dr. Holly Bradley continues to spread the good word with her first story time session, where she was invited as the auth...
14/04/2026

Dr. Holly Bradley continues to spread the good word with her first story time session, where she was invited as the author to read from her book 'Milly Meelyu' to 5-9 year olds at the AH Bracks Library in the City of Melville. This was followed by a workshop where the participants learnt about camouflage, created their own model lizards, and discussed ways to protect nature.

‘Milly Meelyu’ is a picture book about the ecology and conservation of the Meelyu, the Western Spiny-tailed Skink. Outreach work like this is important for teaching kids about the nature in their own backyards and how to protect it.

Kanyana Wildlife Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre ARC Native

Big congratulations to Teresa Hu from the Soil & Landscape Science Lab on publishing her second PhD paper in the Europea...
12/04/2026

Big congratulations to Teresa Hu from the Soil & Landscape Science Lab on publishing her second PhD paper in the European Journal of Soil Science!

Teresa’s latest research explores how to use handheld laser technology to study soil chemistry directly in the field.

The technique, called Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), fires a tiny laser pulse at a soil sample, creating a microscopic burst of glowing plasma. The colours in that glow reveal if the soil contains elements such as carbon, nitrogen, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Teresa tested how sample preparation—specifically, grinding the soil and adding a small amount of potassium bromide (KBr) before pressing it into pellets—affects the accuracy and precision of these readings. She found that finer grinding and the addition of KBr make the laser signals stronger and more consistent, especially in sandy soils. However, each element responds slightly differently, and soil texture still has a significant influence.

Her findings lay the groundwork for developing standardised protocols for LIBS-based soil analysis and mark an important step toward faster, cheaper, and more portable methods for assessing soil composition—helping land managers, environmental scientists, and farmers check soil health more effectively.

Read it 🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/xtrgmnoezx

Learn more about the Soil & Landscape Science Lab 🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/rwrpcgxdwe

We are delighted to announce that Zane Datson—a PhD student at Curtin University and under the supervision of Prof. Nadi...
10/04/2026

We are delighted to announce that Zane Datson—a PhD student at Curtin University and under the supervision of Prof. Nadim Darwish—has progressed through to the final three in the 2026 Metrohm & Electrochemistry Division of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (EDRACI) Young Electrochemist Award. He will join two other finalists in presenting a 13-minute talk on their research at the virtual Award Ceremony tonight, after which the winner will be announced.

Zane’s PhD project focused on semiconductor electrochemistry, specifically through insulating silica layers. He has demonstrated that silica is an active material that can be functionalised using a combination of organic molecules and electrochemistry. Applications based on this work developed hydrophobic coatings for glass that are highly stable and could prevent the buildup of dirt on solar panels, improving long-term efficiency.

Congratulations, Zane, we'll be cheering for you!

Containing invasive toad species is closer than ever 🐸The Toad Containment Zone (TCZ) is a large-scale initiative aimed ...
09/04/2026

Containing invasive toad species is closer than ever 🐸

The Toad Containment Zone (TCZ) is a large-scale initiative aimed at preventing the mass invasion of cane toads into the Pilbara region of Western Australia. These toads are an extremely toxic, invasive species with nefarious consequences for native wildlife, such as the Yellow-spotted monitor and the Northern quoll (pictured).

In a collaborative effort involving traditional owners, rangers, pastoralists, and scientists from various institutions—including Curtin University and Deakin University—this project involves creating a “waterless barrier” between the Great Sandy Desert and the Indian Ocean, effectively preventing toads from spreading by removing their access to water points like cattle watering tanks and troughs.

This initiative brings a hopeful approach to stopping the invasive species from marching into the Pilbara region, with the zone aiming to protect over 27 million hectares of habitat and significant Aboriginal cultural heritage from ecological damage.

Recent developments have been made possible thanks to the Skip Foundation and their unwavering support and critical funding of the TCZ.

🌿 Advance Your Skills in Environmental DNA SamplingRegistrations are now open for the Curtin Credential in Environmental...
06/04/2026

🌿 Advance Your Skills in Environmental DNA Sampling
Registrations are now open for the Curtin Credential in Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling—a short course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and methods to use eDNA as a cutting-edge tool for monitoring and managing ecosystems.

Returning in April 2026 with Professor Simon Jarman, this course provides a practical, high-level introduction to planning and executing eDNA sampling surveys—from field design through to data considerations.
Whether you work in conservation management, environmental research, consulting, or biodiversity programs, this credential will help you apply eDNA techniques to answer critical ecological questions with confidence.

Interested or know someone who might benefit? Click on the link below to learn more:

📅 20 April 2026
👉 Environmental DNA Sampling – Curtin Credential 2026
🔗https://f.mtr.cool/vnehnfilhu

Bush Heritage Australia Australian Bush Heritage Australian Conservation Foundation Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia

Looking for an exciting PhD project that uses ancient DNA to uncover new ecological and taxonomic insights? Join us at C...
02/04/2026

Looking for an exciting PhD project that uses ancient DNA to uncover new ecological and taxonomic insights? Join us at Curtin University in the biodiversity hotspot of southwest Western Australia.

The ideal candidate would have a background in environmental, chemical, or biological science and experience in molecular genetics.

This opportunity offers: $38,440 p.a. tax-free stipend (3 years + extension) + tuition fee waiver (international students).

🚨 Applications close: 15 April 2026

More information:
🔗 https://f.mtr.cool/nrnbpctlfo
OR 📧 contact Morten Allentoft at [email protected]

Congratulations to Samuel Starko on representing Curtin University at Science Meets Parliament 👏As part of this prestigi...
01/04/2026

Congratulations to Samuel Starko on representing Curtin University at Science Meets Parliament 👏

As part of this prestigious program, Sam had the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, helping bridge the gap between scientific research and government decision-making. Initiatives like this are vital in ensuring that evidence-based insights inform policies that shape our future, as scientists translate their complex research into clear, relevant messages that resonate with government priorities. It also provides panel discussions on how scientists can get involved in the policy-making process. By fostering ongoing dialogue, the program supports better integration of science into policy

The event showcases how Australian research, like work at Curtin, contributes to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing. And it was great to see current Curtin community members meet up and engage with fellow Curtin alum, Zaneta Mascarenhas.

We’re proud to see Curtin researchers contributing to national conversations around innovation, sustainability, and community wellbeing. A fantastic achievement, Sam, your work exemplifies the impact of science beyond the lab. And a big thank you to the Forrest Research Foundation, of which Sam is an alumnus.

Address

Kent Street
Perth, WA
6102

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61892667041

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