News

RMIT researchers have crafted a wildfire jacket prototype from mycelium leather, testing whether fungi‑based materials could help shape the next generation of protective clothing.

The first Australian study of PFAS – so called “forever chemicals” – in rainwater has found safe concentrations of the chemicals according to the NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

A breakthrough RMIT technology that captures and converts carbon dioxide into valuable products in a single process has won one of Australia's most prestigious science awards.

A world-first trial of floating wetland pods in wastewater lagoons shows they cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than a quarter, highlighting their potential as a nature-based solution for decarbonising the water sector.

A rare 'blackest black' silk from Vietnam's Mekong Delta and a fire-retardant jacket grown from fungal networks are among the standout commissions RMIT University has contributed to the National Gallery of Victoria's world premiere exhibition, Plant Life: The Nature of Design.

RMIT University is now recognised as ACMI's Major University Partner, marking the continuation of a 10-year collaboration that has become a cornerstone of Australia's screen-based creative industries.

RMIT University researchers have developed a water treatment material that rapidly removes micro and nano plastics and some PFAS, bringing the technology closer to real world use.

Australia’s rooftop solar boom has helped many homeowners cut their electricity bills, but renters and apartment dwellers are still being left behind. An RMIT expert says plug-in solar panels and batteries could help more households access cheaper, cleaner energy, provided Australia gets the right rules, safety standards and consumer protections in place.

RMIT University researchers have developed a more effective way to capture microplastics from wastewater, using a combination of microbubbles and nanobubbles to achieve removal rates of more than 90% before pollution reaches waterways.

New analysis of 5.5 million buildings shows 84% fall short of tree canopy levels required for meaningful cooling.

RMIT University was honoured to recently host the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026 (WSBE26) in Melbourne, one of the longest‑running global scientific and technical conference series dedicated to sustainability in the built environment.

RMIT has ranked in the top 10 worldwide for three of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.

An RMIT innovation uses ultrasound to extract leaf protein from discarded cauliflower leaves, identifying a potential new use for vegetable scraps.

Melbourne Design Week has drawn to a close for 2026, with record numbers of visitors attending 350+ events across Greater Melbourne.

Startups finding practical ways to reduce waste, reuse materials and keep products in use for longer are taking their next steps after three months of learning, coaching and startup development.

The Victorian Government has announced safety upgrades for local roads and streets, including funding to support 30km/h speed limit trials across Victoria.

A review into food waste in Australia’s quick service restaurants has found order mistakes are the biggest driver of food waste, with better staff training a key part of the solution.

RMIT has launched the Regenerative Futures Institute (RFI), a new initiative dedicated to working across disciplines, sectors and communities to help social, environmental and economic systems flourish.

RMIT University researchers have developed a new way to coat fragile surfaces, including living plant leaves, using high‑frequency sound waves to create a fine mist that can act like a plant sunscreen.

Eucalyptus bark, usually stripped from logs and treated as waste, could be repurposed to help clean polluted water, filter dirty air and capture carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University.