Faculty of Science launches Climate Change Science Hub to confront planet’s greatest challenge
Professor Damian Dowling and Associate Professor Ailie Gallant
Monash University’s Faculty of Science has officially launched the Climate Change Science Hub, a bold initiative, uniting researchers across the natural and physical sciences to address the urgent realities of a rapidly changing climate.
The Hub was launched on Monday 20 October 2025 at the Green Chemical Futures Building at Monash Clayton, followed by a full-day Research Showcase today. The two-day program featured research presentations, networking sessions, and a keynote launch reception opened by the Dean of Science, Professor Jordan Nash.
Designed to accelerate foundational climate science and deliver real-world impact, the Hub brings together world-class researchers from biology, chemistry, physics, earth and atmospheric science, and mathematics. Their shared goal is to help society better understand, adapt to, and mitigate the complex and cascading impacts of climate change.
“Climate change affects every system on Earth, and solving it requires every scientific discipline we have,” said Professor Jordan Nash, Dean of the Faculty of Science. “The Hub brings our researchers together, from ocean chemistry and mathematical modelling to biodiversity and climate systems, to work collaboratively and with partners beyond academia.”
Co-developed by Professor Damian Dowling (School of Biological Sciences) and Associate Professor Ailie Gallant (School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment), the Hub embodies the Faculty’s strength in interdisciplinary research and its commitment to building sustainable futures.
“The Climate Change Science Hub is about connection – bringing together people, disciplines, and ideas,” said Professor Dowling. “By breaking down disciplinary silos, the Hub empowers researchers to ask big, transformative questions, delivering science that drives real-world impact.”
“We’re focused on the big picture,” added Associate Professor Gallant. “Our research spans everything from heatwaves and hydrology to ecosystem resilience and community adaptation. We’re working across systems, and across sectors, to shape a more climate-resilient future.”
The Hub is structured around three research nodes:
- Understanding our complex world
- Environmental resilience
- Science for transitions
These nodes reflect the Hub’s mission to foster question-led, collaborative research that transcends disciplinary boundaries. A core focus is to support and equip emerging researchers to lead Australia’s and the world’s climate response over the coming decades.
Ranked #1 in Australia for climate change science (Nature Index 2024), Monash is home to globally recognised experts and research infrastructure. The launch of the Climate Change Science Hub builds on this foundation, strengthening the Faculty’s ability to deliver science-informed solutions for government, industry, and the broader community.
“Whether it’s informing national policy, working with community leaders, or developing breakthrough modelling tools, this Hub is designed to put science to work for the planet,” said Professor Nash.
The launch event drew attendees from across Monash and beyond, with researchers, students, policymakers, and partners coming together to celebrate the new initiative and explore future collaborations.
Further details on the Hub’s mission, leadership and opportunities for engagement are available via: monash.edu/science/climate-change-hub.
Further information
Silvia Dropulich
Marketing, Media & Communications Manager, Monash Science
T: +61 3 9902 4513 M: +61 435 138 743
Email: silvia.dropulich@monash.edu