Rural Futures
The major focus of Rural Futures research is on Change – in identifying and understanding pressures of change, both positive and negative, on social, economic and ecological systems as a whole. Therefore, the Institute for Rural Futures undertakes integrated and applied, inter-disciplinary research of the social, economic, environmental and resource issues affecting the future of rural and regional Australia. Interactions of social-ecological systems create positive and negative pressures on landscapes, communities and economies. These complex systems are inseparably entwined. The effects create or limit future options for policy and action, in society's necessary transition towards sustainability. This area of applied trans-disciplinary research, for which the Institute is internationally regarded, has become known as sustainability science
UNE's Institute for Rural Futures is the only independent research centre of its kind in Australia. It is unique in its approach to pursuing wholly integrated multi-disciplinary research into the combined social, environmental and economic pressures of change on non-metropolitan regions in Australia (and overseas). The research program is considered world leading in its interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approaches and policy relevant outcomes. The research includes examining alternative landscape futures and scenarios for interacting communities and their resources and environment.
Adapting to pressures of change through policy and community capacity building is essential for sustainable futures for rural and regional Australia. It is only through the understanding of the processes and impacts of change that rural and regional communities, along with government, can plan for the future. The Institute for Rural Futures contributes knowledge, policy analysis and adaptive capacity to meet identified and predictable pressures of change on non-metropolitan Australia.
Web: www.ruralfutures.une.edu.au
Email: irf@une.edu.au
Phone: +61 (0) 2 6773 2220
Dr David J. Brunckhorst
Professor in Rural Futures
Director, Institute for Rural Futures
Director, UNESCO Centre for Bioregional Resource Management
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351
AUSTRALIA
PH: (Int'l +61 2) (Nat 02) 6773 3001
FX: (Int'l +61 2) (Nat 02) 6773 3245
MOB: 0403 078 801
EM: dbrunckh@une.edu.au
http://www.ruralfutures.une.edu.au