What a peaceful place! Our researchers celebrate the end of the year together.

Dec 17, 2024

To wrap up 2024, the research teams from Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy (CEEP) and Centre for Agricultural Economics and Development (CAED) got together at Herdsman Lake to indulge in a relaxing morning; the perfect way to acknowledge the incredible hard work and dedication everyone has shown throughout the year.

The peaceful setting offered a much-needed opportunity to step back, connect with nature, be sociable with our colleagues, and recharge after an intense year of research, meeting targets, and engaging with stakeholders! It was a fitting place to remind ourselves that we are all striving to make a difference in environmental outcomes.

Fiona Dempster, Abbie Rogers, Monty Walsh Baddeley, Tammie Harold.

A relaxed morning walk bird spotting around the wetlands and a delicious spread of morning tea set the tone for the day.

There was a friendly competition that added a bit of excitement and showcased the team’s competitive spirit—all in good fun, of course! A big congratulations to Jon Sarimento, who won the coveted hamper!

At lunchtime the AARES WA members joined us at the Lake. We shared a buffet lunch overlooking the picturesque landscape while reflecting on the year’s achievements. And what a year it has been for the two research centres in the Department!

With several large research grants running across the centres, all the researchers have excelled. A particular mention to those who have been doing the stakeholder engagement work while leading and contributing to the research deliverables! Our team has dedicated countless hours to working closely with project stakeholders this year. Whether it’s farmers, policymakers, or community groups, we’ve been on the ground listening to their needs and making sure our work is both useful and relevant. These conversations have not only informed our research but also strengthened the impact of our outputs, ensuring they address real-world challenges.

A shout out of congratulations to our team members who received recognition for their outstanding contributions this year in the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment awards:

Associate Professor Abbie Rogers received the prestigious Mid-Career Research Award, a testament to her impactful work in environmental economics.
Professor Marit Kragt was honoured with a Commendation for her remarkable contributions to the field, showcasing her dedication and expertise.
Associate Professor Ram Pandit was commended for Research Impact and Innovation, reflecting his commitment to translating research into tangible benefits for society.
Dr Curtis Rollins, Dr Matt Navarro, Dr Claire Doll all received Commendations under the Early Career Research category.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to build on the momentum of this incredible year and see all this research and engagement turn into improved environmental policy outcomes and decision making for our country.