Topic: sustainability

Natural proteins solve problems shaped by evolution. David Baker describes a different approach: designing proteins from scratch to meet current challenges in health, technology and sustainability. His laboratory develops deep-learning methods that generate proteins with new functions, synthesizes genes encoding the designs, and experimentally characterizes the resulting molecules. The lecture explains how this design-build-test approach extends beyond modifying existing natural proteins and presents applications of computational protein design to contemporary problems. Online via the Royal S

Support long-term farming-systems experiments, agricultural field management, soil and plant sampling, research data and digital methods. The Innovative Agronomy team investigates productivity and sustainability in mixed farming. Three-year full-time appointment; AU$76,000–96,000 annually plus 15.4% superannuation. Applications close 21 October 2026 at 23:00 AEDT.

Penn Chemistry seeks a tenure-track researcher in energy conversion, energy utilization, energy-related materials or sustainability, particularly through advanced experimental methods. The appointee will develop an externally funded research programme, teach graduate and undergraduate courses, and mentor student researchers. The expected appointment date is 1 July 2027. Applications are open until filled, with review beginning on 1 November 2026.

Neil Withers and Rebecca Trager discuss concerns about US research funding and the molecular basis of wool’s useful properties. The episode connects the chemical structure of the fibre with its flame resistance, elasticity and moisture absorption, and considers why these properties matter for textile choices and sustainability.

Partha Dasgupta considers how economic progress should be measured during an ecological crisis. Drawing on his work on natural capital, he examines an approach to economics that assigns value to nature alongside other assets. The discussion asks how changing the way economies value the natural world could change the way they protect it. Dasgupta connects economic measurement with environmental sustainability and the challenge of recognising nature’s contribution to human well-being.

The presentation will present the work of the Space Enabled Research Group at the MIT Media Lab. The mission of the Space Enabled Research Group is to advance justice in Earth’s complex systems using designs enabled by space. Our message is that six types of space technology are supporting societal needs, as defined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These six technologies include satellite earth observation, satellite communication, satellite positioning, microgravity research, technology transfer, and the infrastructure related to space research and education. While much go