ICEDS has introduced Communities of Practice to offer our members structured collaboration with a regular rhythm of engagement. 

ICEDS has over 600 members across the University. Communities of Practice allow ICEDS to approach and support our vast membership as we work together on solutions to climate change, the energy transition and disaster risk. 

Join ICEDS and nominate a Community of Practice today to be a part of the University’s contribution to climate, energy and disaster solutions and increase your research impact. 

Our Six Communities of Practice

ICEDS has drawn from UNFCCC topics to develop six thematic groupings for our members to choose from. These groupings are primarily administrative, with deliberately broad titles and descriptions to encourage membership from across disciplines. Members should feel empowered to join as many Communities of Practice as they have the capacity to participate in. Members can opt out of Communities of Practice if they would prefer to only receive our general mailouts and communications.  

ICEDS acknowledges that Indigenous perspectives are fundamental to understanding and addressing climate change, and that climate change disproportionately impacts First Nations People. We are fortunate that the University community includes Indigenous scholars and practitioners from Australia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond. ICEDS is committed to working more closely with these experts and partners as we strengthen our approach to Indigenous equity and engagement. ComPs will be supported to seek out and meaningfully incorporate Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and leadership in their activities and outputs. ICEDS also recognises that identity is cross‑cutting and that all ComPs have a responsibility to embed the principle of self-determination in their work.   

The Communities of Practice are as follows: 

Adaptation & Resilience

Focusing on how ecological, social and economic systems adjust to climate change. This Community of Practice explores ways to reduce vulnerabilities, moderate potential damage and harness emerging opportunities. 

Empowered Communities

Supporting public participation in climate action through education, awareness, capacity‑building and access to information. This Community of Practice explores how societies can be meaningfully engaged in climate, energy and disaster solutions.

Finance & Economics

Exploring financial and economic mechanisms for tackling climate change, including climate finance, market and non‑market mechanisms and domestic economic levers. 

Land Use, Water & Conservation

Focusing on terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems, their role in the carbon cycle, food systems and ecosystem services. 

Mitigation & Just Transition

Addressing emissions reduction and carbon sinks, while ensuring transitions are equitable and orderly for industries, regions and communities. 

Technology & Innovation

Advancing the technologies and ideas needed for a low‑emissions, climate‑resilient future from engineering solutions to digital tools and system innovations. 

Community of Practice Activities

Each Community of Practice holds at least one activity per quarter. ICEDS encourages Communities of Practice to balance their quarterly activities across the categories articulated in the Engaged Research and Impact Strategy. 

Knowledge Exchange: Enhancing the University’s culture of sharing across disciplines. 

Capability Building: Skill-building for research, teaching, translation and impact. 

Engaged Projects: Developing research, teaching, translation or impact initiatives or outputs across disciplines. 

External Engagement: Connecting with external stakeholders to build networks and demonstrate value.