Richard KingsfordView profile
Professor
Professor Richard Kingsford is a distinguished river ecologist and conservation biologist at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), serving as Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science within the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences. With a career spanning over three decades since earning his PhD from the University of Sydney in 1986, he has established himself as a leading expert on Australian river systems. His research focuses on river ecology and conservation biology, particularly in the wetlands and rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin and Lake Eyre Basin. Kingsford's work integrates field ecology with policy development, having previously worked for the NSW Government Environment agency from 1986-2004 before transitioning to academia. He has made significant contributions to understanding how river regulation impacts ecosystems and biodiversity. Kingsford's recent publications demonstrate his expertise in freshwater ecosystem science, adaptive management approaches, and conservation interventions. His research spans from fundamental ecological studies of river systems to applied conservation projects including the Wild Deserts rewilding initiative in Sturt National Park and the Platypus Conservation Initiative. He has developed expertise in using emerging technologies like drone imagery and remote sensing for ecosystem monitoring. As an influential researcher, Kingsford has served on numerous state and federal advisory committees, helping translate scientific findings into river policy and management practices across Australia. His work bridges the gap between academic research and practical conservation outcomes through community engagement and strategic adaptive management approaches. Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Leader of Wild Deserts rewilding project Expert in Murray-Darling Basin and Lake Eyre Basin ecosystems Specialist in freshwater conservation and adaptive management










