RSES Director, Professor Rhodri Davies

Welcome to the Research School of Earth Sciences.

Earth science is, at its heart, the study of our planet as a connected system: from the deep interior to the surface, from the formation of minerals and continents to the evolution of oceans, climate, landscapes and life. At RSES, we bring together physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computation, field science and world-class analytical capability to understand how the Earth works, how it has changed through time, and how it will shape our shared future.

This mission has never been more important. Our society faces profound challenges: climate change, natural hazards, water security, the sustainable supply of critical resources, environmental change, and the need to understand the planet on which all life depends. 

These challenges demand fundamental discovery, technical excellence, creative thinking and the courage to work across disciplinary boundaries. They also demand people who are trained not simply to know, but to question, analyse, collaborate and lead.

RSES has a remarkable history of doing exactly this. Our strength lies in the quality of our people: our students, academic staff, technical specialists, professional staff, alumni, collaborators and visitors. Together, they create a community that combines deep disciplinary expertise with a shared commitment to curiosity-driven research, research-led education, and service to Australia and the world.

As Director, my aspiration is for RSES to be a place where excellent people do their best work. That means supporting world-leading research, building outstanding facilities and technical capability, creating a vibrant and inclusive intellectual culture, and giving our students the skills, confidence and ambition to become the next generation of Earth science leaders.

We are proud of our past, but our focus is firmly on the future. Through our research and teaching, RSES will continue to help answer some of the most important questions facing the planet: where we came from, how Earth works, what resources and risks lie ahead, and how science can help build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, collaborator, alumnus, industry partner, policy maker, donor or simply someone who is curious about the Earth, I warmly invite you to explore our School and connect with our community.

Professor Rhodri Davies
Director, Research School of Earth Sciences