Only in ‘dark skies’, away from the bright lights of Australian cities, can we see the Milky Way arcing across the sky, humanity’s most fundamental connection to the cosmos. Our artificial light also masks day length and other cues used by animals to regulate their daily activity and annual reproduction. Under the relentless glare of urban light pollution, behaviours change and instincts falter.

Our oceans are loud places. Whales, dolphins, fish, and even corals produce sounds that shape underwater life. But while some humans love listening to “underwater soundscapes,” the human-made noise that marine animals have to endure is anything but comforting. The noise levels stress over 150 species – not only whales and dolphins, but also invertebrates like jellyfish, octopuses, and coral reefs.

Australia’s declining biodiversity is in crisis, with many species at risk of extinction. But whether we’re talking about people, flora and fauna, or entire ecosystems, one thing holds true: we’re stronger together. For National Science Week, scientists from three Inspiring Victoria partner organisations shared their work to ensure that Australian species will Survive and Thrive.

As we continue to pollute the environment with petrochemicals, microplastics, pharmacological products, and other chemicals, we need new solutions to keep ahead of the wave. Bioremediation is the process of using specialised biological organisms or systems – most often bacteria, microalgae, fungi or plants – to break down contaminants into non-harmful compounds.