Elaine Baker

Professor Elaine Baker holds the UNESCO Chair in Marine Science at the University of Sydney and directs the GRID-Arendal office, a UNEP collaborating center. She specializes in marine governance, environmental policy, and sustainable development, focusing on continental shelf delineation, mercury pollution, and waste management. Her work bridges academia with global policy, contributing to UN reports like the GEO-6 and leading initiatives such as the Pacific Maritime Boundaries project. She has advised on maritime boundary disputes, mine safety protocols, and coral reef conservation.

• Key roles: UNESCO Chair, Director (GRID-Arendal), Lead Author (GEO-6 Report)
• Research interests: Climate change, ocean governance, mine tailings safety, and coral reef resilience
• Global collaborations: UN Environment Programme, Pacific Islands States, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Her research emphasizes real-world impact, including policy frameworks for waste management and coastal ecosystem preservation. She co-founded the Pacific Maritime Boundaries initiative, aiding over 60 nations in maritime jurisdiction claims. Awards include the 2015 Australian Financial Review Women of Influence recognition.

Recent work focuses on coral reef island stability under climate threats, mine tailings safety databases, and the human health dimensions of environmental degradation. She collaborates on interdisciplinary projects through the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, integrating GIS and marine data analysis into education and policy.

• Grants and projects: UN Environment’s Global Environmental Outlook for Cities, Basel Convention guidelines, African Development Bank wastewater studies
• Labs/teams: GRID-Arendal research unit, Pacific Shelf Programme, Global Tailings Review advisory panel