About ELS
The Division of Environmental and Life Sciences (ELS) at Macquarie University, Sydney, was developed in 1999.
ELS brings together the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Health and Chiropractic, Human Geography, Physical Geography, and the Graduate School of the Environment. We teach, research and consult across the broad area of environmental and life sciences, as well as within the specific disciplines related to our distinctive departments. Our work is underpinned by partnerships with industry and a commitment to developing an understanding of the importance of science and technology in society.
ELS is one of the leading research bodies within Macquarie University. We are highly regarded for our research achievements and we seek to maintain national and international leadership in specific research areas, as well as become involved in creative and innovative research collaborations in new areas. The Division is home to a number of research centres including the National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallurgy of Continents (GEMOC), the National Key Centre for Biodiversity and Bioresources, Macquarie University Centre for Analytical Biotechnology and the industry funded Natural Hazards Research Centre - Risk Frontiers. The Division is also home to four COREs in the areas of Ecology and Evolution, Climate Risk, Earth and Planetary Evolution and Biomolecular Frontiers, as well as playing a leading role in the MQ Centre for Research on Social Inclusion.
The Division has a strong commitment to developing the synergy between active teaching and engagement in research and this is reflected in a number of its programs, including those in medical science, biotechnology, chiropractic science, environmental science, environmental management, health, marine science, museum studies and science education. We aim to present our students with opportunities to experience the practical application of their chosen area of study through field study and work placements. We also aim to provide our graduates with generic skills that are applicable not only to their future careers, but also to every day life.
With approximately 180 academic and general staff, ELS is one of the largest, most diverse and exciting Divisions within the University. If you are interested in further information about our Division, please feel free to contact or visit us.
The Division Executive
- Kevin McCracken, Acting Dean and Associate Dean of Learning & Teaching
- Dave Briscoe, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences
- Helena Nevalainen, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences
- Kelsie Dadd, Head of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Peter Nelson, Head of the Graduate School of the Environment and Associate Dean of Research
- Sharyn Eaton, Head of the Department of Health and Chiropractic
- Richie Howitt, Head of the Department of Human Geography
- Paul Hesse, Head of the Department of Physical Geography
- Trish Fanning, Director Higher Degree Research and Postgraduate Studies
- Gill Ellis, Finance and Facilities Manager
- Carolynne Paine, Human Resources and Student Administration Manager