Dr Omid Ghasemi from the University of New South Wales is the recipient of the 2025 WH Gladstones Population and Environment Fund. This fund offers support for empirical research into how the size, distribution, material aspirations and other characteristics of Australia's population are likely to affect our environment - not only our land and landscape, but also social cohesion, health, the economy and defence.
Dr Omid Ghasemi, University of NSW
Exploring the impact of extreme weather events on attitudes, emotions and behavioural responses to climate change
Dr Ghasemi's research explores the complex relationship between climate events and human behaviour, shedding light on how individuals respond, adapt, and engage with climate-related challenges. By investigating behavioural drivers of climate engagement and policy support, his work will provide critical insights into how Australians perceive and react to environmental risks.
Given the country's high exposure to climate hazards, understanding these behavioural patterns is essential for shaping effective strategies that enhance resilience, inform policy and support long-term societal adaptation.
He will collect survey data on climate-related beliefs, emotions, policy support and eco-friendly behaviours, and link these responses to publicly available weather data and public polling.
"I'm really honoured to receive this award in recognition of my work. I'm looking forward to diving deeper into this project and learning as much as I can along the way," Dr Ghasemi said.
"This grant will allow me to explore and understand the drivers of climate-related beliefs, emotions and actions in Australia, and hopefully contribute valuable insights."
The Academy's 2026 awards and funding opportunities are now open.
