Amy-Marie Gilpin

Amy-Marie Gilpin is an active ecological researcher at Western Sydney University's Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, where she serves as a School Based Researcher within the School of Science. She holds a PhD from the University of Wollongong (2017) and has established herself as a leading researcher in pollination ecology and conservation biology.

Her primary research interests include pollination ecology, conservation biology of pollinators, ecological responses to climate change, and interactions between native and introduced pollinator species. Dr. Gilpin employs an integrative approach combining large-scale field experiments, glasshouse studies, and ecological modeling to understand pollinator-plant interactions across natural and agricultural landscapes. Her work particularly focuses on how anthropogenic changes (fire, drought, increased CO2) affect these critical ecological relationships.

Dr. Gilpin's recent publications demonstrate consistent productivity in high-impact journals spanning ecology, conservation biology, and agricultural science. Her research shows particular strength in understanding native pollinator ecology, alternative pollination strategies, and the impacts of environmental change on pollination systems. She has developed expertise in studying ground-nesting bees, plant-pollinator networks, and the effects of fire on pollination ecology.

• HIE Research Symposium "Best presentation" award, WSU 2022
• Vice Chancellors Professional Development Award
• Research Support Program Fellow (Level A) - Bushfire & Pollination (2 yrs), 2021
• Nominated for the Research Impact Competition, Western Sydney University, 2019

Dr. Gilpin has secured substantial research funding, including a $2.45 million Horticulture Innovation Australia grant (2023) as co-researcher and multiple smaller grants focused on pollinator conservation. She serves on the IUCN Wild Bee Specialist Group Oceania Committee (2023) and has been communications correspondent for Birds In Backyards, Birdlife Australia (2022). Her community engagement includes developing ecoregional planting guides for pollinators across NSW and extensive media appearances discussing pollinator conservation.

Her work spans both fundamental ecological research and applied conservation solutions, with significant focus on translating scientific findings into practical strategies for supporting pollinator populations in agricultural and urban landscapes.