Launching in early 2026, the Institute will tackle global environmental and social challenges through impactful interdisciplinary education, research, partnerships, and engagement, creating a more inclusive, just and sustainable future.
Its vision is to build a community of regenerative leaders who can help drive positive change and embed regenerative practices and sustainability innovation, in work and life.
The new Advisory Board includes leaders from various fields, including urban planning, corporate sustainability, finance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocacy, public health, entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation, and more.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alec Cameron, said the University was honoured to have attracted such diverse and high-calibre inaugural Board members.
"This is an ambitious initiative. Their extensive leadership, experience, and insight will be invaluable in shaping the future direction and impact of the Institute," Professor Cameron said.
RFI Director, Professor Chris Speed, said the Board’s expertise reflects the Institute’s interdisciplinary approach. The Institute's development has involved broad consultation with government, industry, and community organisations.
Thirty-seven academics and experts from various disciplines across RMIT have been drawn together to co-design and deliver the Institute’s suite of courses, including a Minor in Regenerative Futures for undergraduate students and short courses for professional learners.
"Given the scale of the climate crisis, we must collaborate across disciplines to address local and global challenges," Professor Speed said.
"We are humbled to have such a strong advisory board behind us to help achieve our ambitious agenda."
The honorary inaugural Advisory Board members are:
Stacey Campton OAM, a leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs
Kate Dundas, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Australia
Amanda Good, Director of Innovation and Futures at Aurecon
Emma Forster, Climate, Innovation and Sustainable Development Lead at City of Melbourne
Kaj Lofgen, founder and CEO of Regen Melbourne
Dr Jen Martin, Acting Chief Environmental Scientist of the Victorian EPA
Tom Mosby, CEO of Koorie Heritage Trust
Justine Rowe, Chief Sustainability Officer at Telstra
Neil Salisbury, Co-Founder and Chairman of NatureCo
Dr Salvador Rueda Palenzuela, international urban ecologist and pioneer of the Barcelona Superblocks.
Next year, the Institute will introduce the undergraduate minor, short courses for adult learners and an event series, with activities to scale over the next two years.
To find out more about the Institute and its Board, see Regenerative Futures Institute.
