A significant funding increase from Charles Sturt University (CSU) for higher degree research places has resulted in a large intake of doctoral and Master students in the University’s School of Environmental Sciences, working with supervisors in the Institute for Land, Water and Society. Eight students from as far as Mexico, Bhutan, Zimbabwe, China and USA have joined nine students from around Australia in full-time and part-time studies on the Albury-Wodonga Campus, with topics ranging from yak herders in Bhutan to snow leopard conservation in Nepal. ILWS Director Professor Max Finlayson said the number of international students at ILWS highlighted the quality of research undertaken at the University. “Many issues we face in the Murray Darling Basin are faced around the world. We are part of a world group of scientists addressing issues on the local and global stage,” Professor Finlayson said. Most of these students will be welcomed to the Institute during an ‘Aussie’ morning tea commencing at 10.30am on Thursday 9 August.