Transforming communities and safeguarding ecosystems to achieve sustainability and prosperity
Griffith Institute for Human and Environmental Resilience (GIHER) is Griffith’s flagship institute dedicated to finding solutions for people to thrive in harmony with nature. We conduct research across environmental and social science, economics, public health, climate change, engineering, law and AI technology to grapple with the complexities of our changing planet.
Our philosophy is informed by systems thinking - we approach these challenges as interconnected problems affecting both the natural and built environment. We work to safeguard the health, prosperity and security of both human-made and natural environments.
We are responding to the urgent call to mobilise research leaders into finding sustainable, equitable and adaptable development for all, in an ever-changing climate. We give expert advice that reduces uncertainty in decision-making and responds to community values and needs.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.
Our capabilities at a glance
Comprehensive expertise across social, ecological, economic and technical fields
Transdisciplinary and action-oriented approaches for responding to global challenges
Deep connections with industry and First Peoples partners to drive applied research making a difference
Research themes
Protecting and restoring resilient biodiversity and ecosystems
Preventing ecosystem loss through biodiversity and nature positive approaches
Creating climate and disaster resilient communities
Guiding industry investment and public policy with new knowledge and tools
Transitioning to climate resilient living and built environments
Finding equitable and innovative solutions for decarbonising our cities and communities
Latest News
Griffith home to first Serve robot delivery service outside US
29 Oct 2026
First robot food delivery service outside of US rolls into Gold Coast campus.
Griffith Business School celebrates 2026 Co-curricular Award winners
27 Oct 2026
Griffith Business School has recognised students making a difference through leadership, community...
Can fish develop mental health conditions and help us treat them?
26 Oct 2026
A humble fish can experience features of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and autism,...
Study finds humpback whales growing faster than expected
23 Oct 2026
Eastern Australian humpback whales reach nearly their full adult size remarkably quickly, a new...
New research finds keeping room temperature at 24 degrees or below could reduce sleep stress
Griffith Institute for Human and Environmental Resilience (GIHER) researchers Dr Fergus O'Connor, Dr Aaron Bach and A/Prof Shannon Rutherford have attracted strong media interest in the wake of the recent article on heat and health published in the British Medical Journal.