Matthias Boer

Matthias Boer is an Associate Professor and Director of the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University. He holds a PhD in Physical Geography (1999) and MSc in Physical Geography and Landscape Ecology (1986) from Utrecht University. His research focuses on fire regimes, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and spatial ecology in fire-prone environments.

• Affiliations: NSW Bushfire Risk Management Research Hub, Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network
• Education: PhD (1999), MSc (1986) from Utrecht University

Research interests include fire ecology, hydrology of arid environments, and the interplay between climate change and vegetation dynamics. He has led over 30 grants since 2018, including projects on eucalypt dieback, lightning detection systems, and fire risk prediction. Notable awards include the 2021 Eureka Prize and 2023 Excellence in Research Impact Award.

Recent work explores machine learning for fire prediction, carbon dynamics in forests, and the physiological underpinnings of plant resilience. Collaborates extensively with institutions like the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, ARC, and international universities.