Education & Training Hub
Building capability in contamination assessment and remediation
crcCARE’s Education and Training programs develop the next generation of scientists and professionals addressing contamination challenges across Australia and beyond.
crcCARE Education
crcCARE builds human capacity in the sector through professional development and short courses for practitioners.
These programs bring participants the latest technologies and developments in contamination science, delivered by leading experts from research, government and industry.
Courses combine current scientific understanding with applied practice, ensuring participants gain knowledge directly relevant to their work in contamination assessment and remediation.
crcCARE Conferences
crcCARE undertakes extensive education and public awareness activities focused on new environmental technologies and their application.
Conferences and workshops connect researchers, regulators and industry specialists to exchange knowledge, showcase advances and promote collaboration in environmental clean-up.
Participating industries also provide field sites and supervision for postgraduate students engaged in crcCARE’s research programs — strengthening the link between research, practice and innovation.
crcCARE Scholarships
crcCARE develops PhD researchers to help address Australia’s shortage of experts in environmental contamination, assessment and remediation.
Students benefit from:
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Full and top-up scholarships
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Intellectual property and commercialisation training
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Industry placements
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Attendance at international conferences, postgraduate workshops and crcCARE’s annual general meeting
crcCARE Scholarships
crcCARE’s postgraduate research program focuses on key contamination challenges facing Australia and the world.
These research themes guide PhD projects supported through crcCARE scholarships, providing students with the opportunity to contribute to applied research that informs regulation, advances technology, and supports cleaner, safer environments.
01. New, emerging and complex chemicals
A growing range of complex contaminants — including PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and pesticides — are polluting our environment.
crcCARE’s research investigates how these chemicals behave, move and persist, providing the knowledge needed to reduce their risks and inform better regulation, monitoring and remediation.
02. Methane
Methane contributes around 30% of global warming and is approximately 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. crcCARE’s work focuses on understanding methane sources and behaviour in the environment, particularly from non-renewable energy production and agriculture, to develop better strategies for management and emission reduction.
03. Groundwater
Groundwater flowing through contaminated sites can transport volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants into surrounding areas, including residential zones.
crcCARE studies how contaminants move through groundwater systems and develops improved methods for assessment, protection and remediation of these vital resources.
04. Biosolids
Biosolids are a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter, but their reuse is challenged by the presence of contaminants such as PFAS.
crcCARE’s research seeks to characterise these risks and develop safe, sustainable approaches for biosolid management and application.
crcCARE Education
crcCARE’s short courses, workshops and webinars support capability building across government, research and industry.
Each program is designed to share current best practice, providing participants with the latest techniques in contamination assessment and remediation.
Variable Charge Soil Conference| 4-6 March 2026 | Newcastle
Explore chemical interactions in variable charge soils, implications for soil productivity, pollutant impacts, and management strategies.
planetCARE Academy
We are an online learning platform empowering professionals and students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in environmental monitoring, assessment, and remediation for a sustainable future. Through expert-led lectures, insightful vlogs and blogs, and a comprehensive repository of resources, we equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to address environmental challenges effectively.
Variable Charge Soil Conference
Join us for a groundbreaking international conference dedicated to exploring the intricate dynamics of chemical interactions in soils with variable charge.
These unique soil types, prevalent in old, weathered landscapes, tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in young soils derived from volcanic ash, demonstrate fascinating properties that influence soil productivity, nutrient and pollutant behaviour, and require their management strategies in both agricultural and environmental contexts.
Our conference aims to bring together researchers, soil scientists, engineers, developers, policymakers, and land managers from around the globe to share insights, discuss challenges, and develop innovative solutions for sustainable soil management.
CleanUp Conference 2026
Join us in Adelaide for the CleanUp Conference 2026 — a premier global forum for scientists, industry leaders, regulators and environmental practitioners committed to clean land, clean air and clean water.
This flagship event brings together the brightest minds in contamination assessment and remediation to share breakthroughs, tackle emerging challenges and shape the future of environmental stewardship.
Be part of the conversations and collaborations driving real-world impact.