معرفی
Amanda Black is a Professor in the Department of Soil & Physical Sciences at Lincoln University and serves as Director of Bioprotection Aotearoa, a national Centre of Research Excellence that collaborates across 11 partner organizations throughout New Zealand. Her research focuses on environmental soil chemistry and biochemistry with particular emphasis on soil ecosystem health, gene expression related to soil productivity, and halting kauri dieback disease through discovery of disease suppressive traits in soils.
Professor Black has a strong background in incorporating Mātauranga Māori (Māori environmental knowledge) and facilitating inter-team collaborations. Her research addresses biosecurity and climate change issues of concern to Māori and indigenous communities, framed by Māori values to develop approaches that make New Zealand's productive ecosystems resistant and resilient against pathogens, pests, and weeds.
- Research Focus: soil health, kauri dieback disease, biosecurity, climate change impacts, Indigenous knowledge integration
- Leadership: Director of Bioprotection Aotearoa (2021-present)
Her publications demonstrate significant contributions across soil science, microbiology, indigenous knowledge systems, and conservation biology, with recent work focusing on bridging knowledge systems, genomic approaches to disease management, and sustainable agricultural practices that incorporate biodiversity conservation.
Scientific Recognition:
- Te Tupu-ā-Rangi Award for Health and Science at the Matariki Awards, Māori Television (2019)
- MPI NZ Biosecurity Award (AsureQuality - Emerging Leader) (2018)
Professor Black has held Ministerial appointments with multiple New Zealand government departments including Conservation, Environment, Education, and Primary Industries. She actively supervises postgraduate research and teaches courses related to soil science, indigenous plants, and land management.
