Rachael Gallagher

Rachael Gallagher is a Senior Lecturer in Plant Ecology and ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellow (DECRA) at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences. She leads the Plant Conservation and Ecology Group and co-leads the Open Traits Network.

• Research Focus: Plant vulnerability to climate change and invasive species using data science, modeling, and experiments
• Leadership: Deputy Chair of NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee; national coordinator for bushfire-affected plant prioritization
• Collaborations: Green Cities Fund (2016-), MQ Centre for Green Cities (2017-2019), and thermal tolerance studies

Her work spans biodiversity conservation, soil microbiology, and urban climate solutions, with key themes including species interactions, seed banking impacts, and thermal tolerance limits. Gallagher's research has direct policy applications under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2017 BHERT Award for Outstanding Collaboration
  • 2016 Early Career Researcher of the Year
  • 2017 Faculty of Science and Engineering Excellence in Research Award
  • 2017 Macquarie University Academic Staff Highly Commended Award
  • 2016 NSW Tall Poppy Award

She mentors graduate students and collaborates with institutions across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK on ecological restoration and climate adaptation projects.