Develop your expertise in nature-based climate solutions and markets under the guidance of David Shelmerdine and Climateworks Centre.
The David Shelmerdine internship is an opportunity for an outstanding student at Monash University to develop knowledge in the emerging field of nature-based solutions and markets.
The internship honours Climateworks Centre co-founder David Shelmerdine, in recognition of his role and long service to Climateworks.
Commencing in July 2026, the three-month internship will be awarded to a Monash University student who has demonstrated a bold vision in nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation. You will have the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by David for the entirety of the internship, and apply your knowledge to Climateworks’ mission.
The chosen student will demonstrate:
- A willingness to learn and develop their skill set
- The ability to be agile and adapt to changing environments
- A passion for sustainability, environmental progress and climate change mitigation
- A capacity to problem solve.
Eligibility: Current Monash University student enrolled in a postgraduate course, completing an internship unit in any faculty. Contact your faculty to discuss the internship application process. After applying, eligible students will be invited to submit a response to the key selection criteria. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with Climateworks.
What does the program include?
Mentorship with David Shelmerdine, including:
- Intern onboarding to discuss your background, goals for the internship and career aspirations
- Regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges and opportunities
- Access to information and resources to grow your nature-based solutions knowledge, including webinars, online courses and workshops
- Direct online support
- Access to a network of industry professionals.
About David Shelmerdine
David Shelmerdine was Climateworks’ founding director and was deputy chairman for its first 15 years, retiring in 2024. With a deep-rooted background in agricultural sciences, David has built a career focused on sustainability and environmental progress, and advocates the importance of nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. He is an industry advisor on climate change, nature-based solutions, agricultural supply chains, sustainable development and food and land use systems.
David is a distinguished advisor on several well-respected climate mitigation and advisory boards, including:
- The Nature Positive Economy Cooperative Research Centre Bid Advisory Committee
- Accounting for Nature and NatureCert Pty Ltd
- Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) Australia Pty Ltd.
- The Myer Foundation Sustainability and Environment Committee
- The Melbourne Biodiversity Institute.
David is the managing director of Laradoc, a privately owned agribusiness company with interests in food and agricultural technology solutions, cropping, pastoral and livestock sectors. He is a past chairman of Australian Desert Expeditions, a not-for-profit organisation undertaking ecological, environmental and anthropological research in Australian deserts.
David’s past positions include President of the Geneva-based Gold Standard Foundation and Deputy Chairman of The Myer Family Investment Company Pty Ltd.