Martin Thoms

Professor Martin Thoms is a distinguished academic at the University of New England (UNE), affiliated with the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and specializing in Physical Geography. He is an internationally recognized river scientist focusing on fluvial geomorphology, freshwater ecology, and socio-ecological systems. His research addresses global riverine challenges, emphasizing resilience in the Anthropocene. Thoms teaches environmental units and supervises postgraduate researchers, many of whom contribute to government, consulting, and academic roles globally. He serves on editorial boards of four journals and collaborates with international institutions.

Education:

• BSc (Canterbury, New Zealand)
• MSc (Canterbury, New Zealand)
• PhD (Loughborough University, UK)

Research Interests: Interdisciplinary river science, resilience in riverine landscapes, anthropogenic impacts on river networks, ecohydrology, and adaptive management strategies. His work bridges ecological and social dimensions to inform policy and practice.

Publications & Awards: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, including landmark books on riverine resilience and Anthropocene challenges. Recognized with awards from the University of Canberra, International Association of Hydrological Sciences, and Binghamton Geomorphology Group for innovative river science contributions.

Grants & Collaboration: Active in securing research partnerships with policy makers, NGOs, and management agencies. Leads projects on river rehabilitation, floodplain dynamics, and socio-ecological system resilience. His work emphasizes bridging science and management through collaborative frameworks.

Teaching & Mentoring: Teaches units like GEPL306/506 (Water in the Environment) and GEPL308/508 (Environmental Change). Supervises research on topics such as river fragmentation, food webs, and LiDAR applications in floodplain analysis.