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Research

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) undertakes research to enable its development and implementation of effective environmental, cultural and natural resource policies, programs and regulation, provide technical advice and support, and develop public information programs.

The Science Statement outlines the agency's scientific directions, values, activities and capability. OEH undertakes research in several areas, including:

• cultural and heritage research
• economics research
• environment research
• social research

See a list of staff publications including those about our research.

Scientific facilities

OEH operates a range of scientific facilities including:

• an air quality monitoring network with fixed and mobile stations
• testing laboratories for sediment and ecotoxicological analyses, analytical chemistry testing and environmental forensics accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities
• a range of vessels including the RV Bombora
• fully automated remote water sampling stations
• flow-through salt and freshwater aquaria
• an international herbarium
• plant pathology and molecular (DNA) laboratories

Scientists from across Australia and overseas also use OEH-managed reserves for data collection and training in areas such as biodiversity, ecology, genetics, achaeology, tourism, history, geomorphology, hydrology and soil sciences.

Data, information and knowledge are actively managed through a series of information management systems and tools that give staff, collaborators and the community access to up-to-date and reliable information and decision support tools.

OEH has specialist libraries which house major collections of scientific journals and books. Through the Botanic Gardens Trust, the agency published two peer-reviewed scientific journals, Telopea and Cunninghamia, and a range of specialist and general readership books. 

Licensing and approval

A scientific licence may be required to undertake your work if you plan to harm native plants or animals, or damage their habitat.

People intending to use wildlife and other animals for scientific purposes (including research, teaching and environmental studies) should be aware that they are likely to need approval from an Animal Ethics Committee under the Animal Research Act 1985 and the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. More information is available on the Animal Ethics InfoLink website.

Funding

Programs to fund research and development include:

• Environmental Research Program (NSW Environmental Trust)
• Technology Action Grants (Climate Action Grants Program)