Melodie McGeoch

Melodie McGeoch is Professor in Ecology at Monash University, affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences, and serves as Academic Director, Research Performance in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Senior Vice-President (Enterprise and Governance). She is a leading international expert in biodiversity measurement, monitoring, and science-policy translation.

Her research interests center on biodiversity science, with a focus on spatial variation in biodiversity, observation and monitoring across scales, development of monitoring systems for earth observations, and application in conservation policy. Key themes include biodiversity measurement theory, bioindication, and robust decision support frameworks. She actively advances the use of biodiversity data for policy and management, particularly through sustainable information systems and Essential Biodiversity Variables.

Recent publications highlight her leadership in global biodiversity governance, invasive species policy, taxonomic integration, and monitoring systems. Her work increasingly emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges such as climate change and biological invasions.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the African Academy of Science (2022)
• Max Planck-Yale Centre for Movement and Global Change (2018)
• Australian Ecology Research Award (2014)
• Faculty of Science Award for Research Impact (2016)

Professor McGeoch advises on PhD projects related to biodiversity change, invasive species, Antarctic ecosystems, and policy-relevant science. She leads and participates in numerous research grants, including projects on alien species trends, microbial biodiversity in Antarctica, and evidence-informed policy. She is actively involved in major international collaborations such as IPBES and GEO BON, and contributes to high-impact policy initiatives.

She is a key member of several influential teams and networks, including the Species Populations Working Group of GEO BON (which she co-chairs), the Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future initiative, and the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group. Her leadership extends to advisory roles at GBIF, NCI Australia, and the Atlas of Living Australia.