Science that Matters
The Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) is the Victorian Government’s premier biodiversity research institute, operating as part of the Biodiversity Division of the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
As Victoria's leading centre for applied ecological research, we offer strategic research and management advice to address critical policy and management issues. Our science guides sustainable environmental management and resource use, supporting healthy, resilient ecosystems in south-eastern Australia.
Expertise
Our team of over 90 researchers has expertise in the ecology and taxonomy of flora, fauna, and freshwater species. For more than 50 years, ARI has contributed to a deeper understanding of ecosystem processes and interactions in Victoria, harnessing various forms of wildlife and environmental data. We use modern techniques, such as thermal imaging, electrofishing, acoustic and radio telemetry, remote sensing and world-class spatial mapping, artificial intelligence and modelling products. These enable us to undertake world-leading, innovative science to address complex management and policy challenges.
We specialise in:
- Ecology - terrestrial, freshwater and estuarine
- Analytical data and spatial data mapping
- Machine learning and AI
- Genetics
- Restoration sciences
- Environmental emergency recovery
- Behaviour change science
- Collaborative research with Traditional Owners.
Leadership
ARI is headed by the Senior Leadership Team which comprises the Chief Biodiversity Officer and ARI Director (James Todd), two senior cross-Institute leadership roles (Andrew Geschke in Impact and Collaboration and Dr Pia Lentini as Acting Science Leader), the Research Section Managers (Dr Jenny Nelson, Tim O'Brien & Dr Jarod Lyon), one of our Principal Research Scientists (Dr Ashley Sparrow), and our Business Manager (Mansoor Khalil).
History – celebrating more than 50 years of science
ARI was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 8th of April 1970. Princes Phillip and Charles and Princess Anne were also present. Named after Victoria’s Chief Secretary (Deputy Premier) Sir Arthur Rylah, it signalled the world’s awakening to the need for scientific institutions to investigate issues like the impact of pollution on the natural world and how to conserve native species.
Victoria was at the vanguard of this movement. Around this time, the Land Conservation Council (later Victorian Environmental Assessment Council), Environmental Protection Authority and the Victorian Conservation Trust (later Trust for Nature Victoria) were also established.
Since its beginnings, ARI has provided invaluable service to Victorians. In its early days it studied the impact of DDT on the natural world, like thinning the eggshells of our Peregrine Falcons and fish, pushing species towards extinction.
ARI has played an important role in the discovery of new species, such as the Long-footed Potoroo and several species of galaxiids, as well as the detection of new species within Victoria such as, most recently in 2024, Gile’s Planigale. ARI’s early broad-scale surveys of plants and animals were fundamental to documenting species distributions across the state.
ARI achievements:
- identifying new galaxiid fish species
- identifying a new species of potoroo
- developing breakthrough new technology to capture and track bats, Leadbeater’s Possum and gliders
- advances in electrofishing
- publication of some of Australia’s best field guides
We would like to acknowledge the hundreds of ARI staff, past and present, for their continued contribution to helping better protect our environment. ARI staff today are highly respected members of the scientific community. They are passionate about ensuring their science has impact and include many leading international experts. The institute occupies a unique niche. As an integral part of the Victorian Public Service, it provides the best objective and trusted scientific expertise and advice to key government decision-makers.
To mark our recent 50th birthday, we created a commemorative book to remember and celebrate the people, the place and our achievements: People Passion Science. Celebrating 50 years of the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (PDF, 19.5 MB).
Brochures
An overview of our capabilities and showcases several projects to provide examples of the breadth of our work.
- ARI Brochure: About us (PDF, 12.1 MB)
(accessible version (DOCX, 36.8 KB))
Focuses on the scope of our science, innovative approaches, and the partnerships and collaborations we form. Several projects are highlighted as examples of our expertise.
Outlines the benefits of citizen science projects (to both participants and scientists), how an effective citizen science program can be created, as well as useful approaches to creating individual projects. ARI has been involved in citizen science for many years. We are keen to expand our citizen science program, research citizen science itself, and learn how to get more people involved.
- ARI Brochure: Citizen science - you and nature (PDF, 12.8 MB)
(accessible version (DOCX, 31.4 KB))
ARI's Research Strategy was launched in 2012 and is available below. It sets the research priorities and directions for the Institute for the years up to 2016. The Research Strategy details ARI's vision, objective, guiding principles, research themes and future directions. The Strategy aims to assist staff, management and stakeholders by providing guidance for development of new projects, capability of staff and for strategic partnerships.
- ARI Research Strategy 2012 - 2016 (PDF, 681.2 KB)
(accessible version (DOC, 4.0 MB))
Page last updated: 13/02/25