Sam Banks

Sam Banks is an Outstanding Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Charles Darwin University and Director of CDU's Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods. His research specializes in molecular ecology and conservation biology, combining genomic and field ecological approaches to study biodiversity responses to environmental change. Key research areas include fire ecology, conservation genetics of declining mammals, and genetic tracking of saltwater crocodiles across northern Australia and Southeast Asia.

Education:

• PhD in Genetics, Monash University (2005)
• BA/BSc (Honours) in Arts and Science, Monash University (1999)

Research Interests: Fire's influence on population dynamics and genetic diversity, conservation of threatened species (e.g., bilbies, bettongs), and biocultural approaches integrating Indigenous knowledge. Current projects include climate change risk assessments for NT biodiversity, marine megafauna monitoring, and securing priority mammals through safe havens.

Grants & Projects (selected):

• Rainmaker Start-up Grant: Indigenous-partnered Payment for Ecosystem Services mechanisms
• ARC Linkage Project: Biocultural conservation of fauna in Arnhem Land
• Climate Change Risks Assessment for NT Ecosystems (2023)

Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in the Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods, collaborating with Indigenous ranger groups and international institutions. Editorial roles include Heredity and PLoS One.