معرفی
Paul Humphries is an Associate Professor in Ecology at Charles Sturt University, affiliated with the Aspro Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and the Gulbali Research Institute. He leads the Fish Ecology Collaborative Research Unit and is an active researcher in freshwater ecology, with a focus on riverine systems and fish biology.
Education:
- PhD, Murdoch University, 1991
- MSc, University of Tasmania, 1987
- BSc (Hons), Monash University, 1983
His research centers on the relationships between river biota and flow, spawning and early life history of freshwater fishes, dispersal of juvenile fish and shrimp, and historical ecology—particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. He uses palaeoecological and zooarchaeological data to inform conservation and management strategies. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and environmental sustainability.
His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a strong trend in using citizen science, eDNA, and social media to assess fish populations and ecological change during extreme events like drought, bushfire, and flood. He also investigates the loss of large, old animals and the ecological implications of trophy fishing, demonstrating a deep concern for long-term ecosystem health and conservation.
Scientific Awards:
- Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research (2015)
- Gilbert Whitley Medal for best Natural History Book (2013), for co-editing 'Ecology of Australian Freshwater Fishes'
Paul Humphries is an editorial board member for River Research and Applications and Biodiversity and Conservation. He has supervised HDR students and collaborated widely across Australia and Europe. His research is highly cited (h-index: 25, 2181+ citations), reflecting significant impact in the field of freshwater ecology.
He has been involved in multiple media engagements, commenting on river health, flood ecology, and environmental policy, particularly regarding the Murray-Darling Basin. His work bridges science, policy, and public understanding, advocating for sustainable river management.
