ISF celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary with a party and a showcase of high-impact projects.
On 20 July, ISF staff, alumni, partners and supporters gathered at the UTS Great Hall for a warm celebration of the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) 25 years of making positive change.
Councillor Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, officially launched the event. She spoke about ISF’s role in helping the City of Sydney realise its sustainability ambitions through collaboration as a research partner.
The mayor was joined by the Honourable Bob Carr, ex-Foreign Minister and former UTS Professor of Business and Climate, who opened the institute in 1997. Carr congratulated ISF on its achievements and emphasised the crucial urgency of translating climate research into action.
UTS Vice Chancellor Andrew Parfitt and UTS Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Kate McGrath each showed their support of ISF as a key contributor to the university’s commitment to research-based sustainability solutions.
The event provided an opportunity to look back at some of ISF’s most impactful work. Produced for the event, a special 25 Years of Partnering for Impact booklet includes a round-up of projects whose impact has been measured in tangible actions, such as policy change, changed behaviours and uptake of our recommendations. Highlights include:
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an evaluation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Volunteers Program, the recommendations of which were all acted upon by the department
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a collaboration between ISF and Sydney Water that resulted in the utility making changes to their infrastructure and approach to recycling water
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ISF’s leading work in phosphorus research that has informed the UK’s first National Phosphorus Transformation strategy.
The next 25 years
Turning 25 wasn’t only about acknowledging ISF’s historical work, it also provided an opportunity to look to the future. The 25 Years of Partnering for Impact booklet features a collection of current ISF projects that will make impact in the future such as the institute’s extensive research supporting Australia’s energy transition, and an international collaboration that proposes a wellbeing economy for the fashion and textile industry.
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