Matthew Kearnes

Professor Matthew Kearnes is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) serving as the Deputy Head of School (Research) in the School of Humanities & Languages. He is also a member of the UNSW Environment and Society group and current president of the Geographical Society of NSW. His research bridges Science and Technology Studies (STS), social and cultural geography, and contemporary social theory.

• Doctorate of Philosophy, Social and Cultural Geography, University of Newcastle (2004)
• BSc (1st Class Honours), Human Geography, Macquarie University (1997)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, Durham University (2010)

His work focuses on the social constitution of technological and environmental change, emphasizing public participation in bio-nanotechnology, climate futures, and water governance. He has led significant ARC-funded projects including Designing Illicit Drug Policy Solutions and Narrative Ecologies of Warragamba Dam, while co-leading the ARC Training Centre for Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource. His recent publications examine biosolids reuse, off-grid solar repair, and cannabis policy.

Scientific awards include:

• Amsterdamska Award (2018)
• ARC Future Fellowship (2014)
• WateReuse International Award (2014)
• RCUK Fellowship (2007-2011)

He supervises PhD students in environmental humanities and STS while teaching undergraduate and master's courses in environmental governance, climate politics, and waste studies at UNSW.