Clare Hawkins

Dr. Clare Hawkins is an Adjunct Researcher in Biological Sciences at the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences. She specializes in conservation biology, endangered species management, and disease ecology, focusing on species such as the Tasmanian devil, eastern quoll, and wedge-tailed eagle. Her work combines field research with citizen science initiatives like the NatureTrackers and Extinction Matters BioBlitzes, which monitor threatened species and habitat changes. Hawkins holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of Aberdeen (1994–1997), an MSc in Ecology (1992–1993), and a BA (Hons) from the University of Oxford (1986–1989).

Her career includes roles with Tasmania's Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, where she studied Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) impacts, and the creation of the Threatened Species Link. She received a Churchill Fellowship in 2015 to develop citizen science methodologies for long-term ecological monitoring. Her research addresses climate change effects, invasive species, and conservation strategies for endangered carnivores.

Awards include the 2024 Green Gown Award for her team’s 2023 BioBlitz initiative, recognizing its impact on biodiversity conservation. Hawkins collaborates globally on projects linking ecological data to policy, emphasizing partnerships for sustainable land use (SDGs 15, 4, and 12).