Stephen van Leeuwen

Professor Stephen van Leeuwen is Australia’s first Indigenous Chair of Biodiversity and Environmental Science at Curtin University (Perth). He holds a PhD from Curtin University (1997) and has over 39 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, ecological research, and Indigenous land management. As a South West Boojarah Wardandi Noongar leader, he integrates Traditional Knowledge with scientific practices to co-design conservation solutions.

Research Expertise: His work spans fire ecology, threatened species management, arid zone flora/fauna, and bio-cultural land stewardship. Key focus areas include Indigenous-led restoration, genetic diversity in arid landscapes, and collaborative conservation frameworks with Traditional Owners.

Leadership Roles:

• Deputy Leader, Resilient Landscapes Hub (National Environmental Science Program)
• Member, Threatened Species Scientific Committee (Australian Government)
• Chair, WA Biodiversity Survey Working Group
• Member, First Nations Science Centre Steering Committee

Grants & Collaborations: Leads interdisciplinary projects combining ecological science with Indigenous knowledge systems, emphasizing co-production of conservation strategies across WA’s rangelands and Kwongan sandplains.

Labs/Teams: Active in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences and the National Environmental Science Program hubs, collaborating with organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Bush Heritage Australia.