Felicity Meakins is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Queensland, affiliated with the School of Languages and Cultures. She specializes in documenting First Nations languages in northern Australia, focusing on language contact processes, revitalization, and the impact of English on Indigenous languages. Her work bridges academic research and community engagement, including consulting on Native Title claims and language revitalization programs. Education: She studied at the University of Queensland between 1995–2001, completing her PhD in 2008. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a community linguist with Diwurruwurru-jaru Aboriginal Corporation (2001–2004) and as a PhD researcher with the Aboriginal Child Language Project (2004–2008). Research Interests: Meakins explores language contact, mixed languages, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Her projects include the 'Dingo Lingo' study tracing canine terminology across Australia and co-authored works like Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country (2023) and Understanding Linguistic Fieldwork (2018). She has compiled dictionaries and grammars for languages such as Gurindji, Bilinarra, and Mudburra. Grants & Recognition: Recipient of the Eureka Award (2021), LSA’s Hale Award (2021), and a Fellow of FASSA/FAHA. She led the UQ node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language (2022). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Language Data Commons of Australia (LDaCA) and Indigenous communities in Northern Territory projects like the Wave Hill Walk-Off documentation.
Nicholas Evans is Distinguished Professor of Linguistics and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language (CoEDL) at the Australian National University’s School of Culture, History & Language. His work bridges fieldwork-based language documentation with theoretical questions in typology, cultural evolution, and social cognition. Focus on endangered Australian and Papuan languages Director of ARC Laureate Project on 'The Wellsprings of Linguistic Diversity' Co-leader of SCOPIC (Social Cognition Parallax Corpus) study Collaborator in global linguistic diversity initiatives His research explores how micro-level community multilingualism shapes macro-level linguistic diversity, with fieldwork spanning seven years in remote Indigenous communities. Recent projects include PARABANK (paradigm syncretism analysis) and Southern New Guinea language studies, particularly Nen and Yam family languages. Scientific recognition includes the Ken Hale Award (Linguistic Society of America), Anneliese Maier Forschungspreis, and fellowships in the Australian Academy of Humanities, Australian Social Sciences Academy, and the British Academy.
Dr. Gavin Morris is a Lecturer in Education at Charles Darwin University's College of Education, with over two decades of teaching experience in Australian schools. His academic qualifications include a PhD from Charles Darwin University (2019), Master of Education from University of Sydney (2016), and Bachelor of Education from James Cook University (2000). Morris specializes in Indigenous research methodologies, Health & Physical Education, and Sport Science. His qualitative work focuses on trauma healing, truth-telling, and decolonization practices in Aboriginal communities, particularly using Dadirri (deep listening) methodologies. Recent research explores digital platforms for cultural preservation and community resilience. As a registered postgraduate research supervisor, Morris contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate programs while maintaining active fieldwork in remote Northern Territory communities like Nauiyu at Daly River.
Jarrod Ray Hore is a Scientia Lecturer in the School of Humanities & Languages at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, and Co-Director of the New Earth Histories Research Program. His work explores environmental history, settler colonialism, and the intersections of science, geology, and cultural landscapes. Hore’s research focuses on landscape photography’s role in shaping colonial projects, earthquake geology, and the logistics of the natural history trade. He has published widely in journals like the Pacific Historical Review and Australian Historical Studies, and his award-winning book *Visions of Nature* (2022) examines how photography reinforced settler territoriality. His research interests span environmental history, transnational history, the history of science, and colonial studies. Key areas include the history of settler colonialism in Australia, New Zealand, and North America, as well as the cultural and scientific dimensions of geological exploration. Hore actively supervises HDR and honours students in environmental history, colonial history, and the history of photography. His awards include the Marilyn Lake Prize (2023) and Donna Coates Prize (2022), with shortlist recognitions for prestigious history awards. Beyond academia, he teaches courses like *A House Divided: The Making of Modern America* (ARTS2150), emphasizing U.S. histories of race, class, and global engagement. Hore’s work bridges environmental humanities and colonial studies, analyzing how visual and scientific practices reinforced imperial and settler agendas. His current projects explore the material and logistical networks underpinning natural history collections and the epistemologies of colonial geology.
Professor Kathy Bowrey is a leading academic in Intellectual Property Law at UNSW Sydney's Faculty of Law. Her work explores laws shaping knowledge creation, technology, and culture, with expertise in IP, Indigenous rights, and open research advocacy. She holds a Doctor of Juridical Studies from the University of Sydney and a BA LLB from Macquarie University. Her research focuses on historical and contemporary IP frameworks, including their impact on creators, Indigenous communities, and global innovation systems. Notable projects include the ARC-funded 'Producing, Managing and Owning Knowledge in the 21st Century University' (2019–2022), which shaped Australia's open research policies. Awards include the 2022 ANZLHS Book Prize for *Copyright, Creativity, Big Media & Cultural Value* and fellowships at the State Library of NSW and Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. She co-authored *Adventures in Childhood* (2023), examining IP in toy and media industries, and *David Unaipon* (2023), exploring Indigenous innovation. Professor Bowrey co-leads the International Society for the History and Theory of Intellectual Property (ISHTIP) and advises on national research policies. Her grants include ARC Discovery Projects on Australian copyright history and IP commercialization.
Robyn Fox is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Education and Tertiary Access at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Australia, teaching in Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies programs with emphasis on foundational outdoor studies and paddling-based engagement methods. Her educational qualifications are: MAIntEd, Endicott College MA, DipEd, LaTrobe University BA, LaTrobe University Her research centers on sustainability integration and ecological literacy in outdoor education, driven by her planned PhD investigating embedded sustainable practices. She champions experiential learning through natural environments to foster environmental consciousness and climate-responsive pedagogy. Analysis of her 2022-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in climate change education within outdoor contexts, featuring innovative approaches like near-peer teaching and nature journaling while addressing eco-anxiety and Indigenous knowledge systems. Her scholarship consistently advocates for curriculum transformation toward ecological stewardship and climate action. Robyn actively involves students in community initiatives: Collaborated with Thai army and Regent’s School students to rebuild tsunami-damaged homes in Thailand (2004) Established sports programs between Khartoum International Community School and local institutions in Sudan Coordinated orphanage library setup with Luanda International School in Angola Current participant in Alexandra Headland Community Association’s foreshore regeneration projects
Dr. Farha Sattar is a Lecturer in Education (Mathematics) at the Faculty of Arts and Society, Charles Darwin University. With over thirty years of teaching experience in Mathematics, Science education, GIS, Remote Sensing, and e-Learning technologies at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Dr. Sattar brings extensive expertise to her academic role. She holds a PhD in Geospatial Science from Charles Darwin University, focusing on Spatial Mathematical Modelling for 3D Gully Mapping and Erosion Quantification. Her educational background includes: PhD in Geospatial Science (Three Dimensional Gully Mapping and Erosion Quantification within a Geoinformatics Framework), Charles Darwin University (2012) Prior academic experience at several Asian and European universities Dr. Sattar's research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a strong focus on the intersection of education and technology. Her primary research interests include Mathematics Education, STEM Education, Geoscience Education, Spatial Mathematical Modelling, Drone Technology, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and Innovative Pedagogies such as experiential learning and inquiry-based approaches. She has developed expertise in cognitive development, particularly in fostering critical and creative thinking skills through iSTEM approaches. An analysis of Dr. Sattar's recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward integrating emerging technologies like drones, augmented reality, and geospatial artificial intelligence into educational contexts. Her work demonstrates a progression from foundational geospatial research on erosion mapping to innovative applications in STEM education. Recent publications increasingly focus on drone technology for educational purposes, spatial data infrastructure for policy development, and computational thinking development through technology-enhanced learning. Dr. Sattar has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education and research: NT Science Week Awards – Inspired NT STEM Hero of the Year award (2021) Long Service Recognition Award (2023) Finalist, CDU Alumni Award (2023) Multiple Best Presentation Awards (2008, 2010, 2017) Australian College of Educators - 2021 College Medal Nominee As a supervisor, Dr. Sattar mentors postgraduate research students including Ayesha Farhan, who is working on "A Framework for Cognitive Development: Fostering Critical and Creative Thinking Skills, Using iSTEM Approach." She actively secures research funding through various projects such as "DBELaSTEM: Drone-Based Experiential Learning and STEM Education," "STEM_D & VR: Youth STEM Learning and Empowerment with Drones and VR," and "CodProg Drone Lab." Her research is supported by grants from NT Government projects and other external funding sources. Dr. Sattar leads the CodProg Drone Lab, an innovative research space exploring drone technology applications in education. She is a certified drone pilot and aeronautical radio operator, which enables her to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Her work with the "Flying Forward: Drones, STEM Equity, and Indigenous Empowerment" initiative demonstrates her commitment to community engagement and addressing educational disparities through technology.
Dr. Farzana Aman Tanima is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney Business School’s Accounting, Governance, and Regulation department. She previously held roles at the University of Wollongong (2017–2023). Her research focuses on critical and dialogic accounting, social justice, and challenging neoliberal frameworks through participatory approaches. Born in Bangladesh, she earned her PhD in 2015 from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, with a thesis on dialogic accounting practices for marginalized women. Education: PhD in Accounting, Victoria University of Wellington, 2015 Undergraduate Honours Degree, Victoria University of Wellington Research Interests: Dr. Tanima’s work centers on dialogic accounting to democratize accounting practices, with focus on NGOs, microfinance, Indigenous education, and race. She employs participatory action research and autoethnography to address systemic inequalities. Key areas include: Accounting’s role in empowerment and development Decolonizing accounting education through Jindaola Critical race theory and counter-accounting Awards: 2024 Mary Parker Follet Award (AAAJ Journal) 2020 VC OCTAL Teaching Award 2015 AFAANZ Best PhD Award Teaching & Mentorship: She leads pedagogical initiatives embedding Indigenous perspectives into curricula and fosters dialogic learning. Supervised two completed PhDs, with co-authored publications. Active in mentoring early-career researchers through invited talks and workshops. Labs/Teams: Part of the Alternative Accounting Research Network and editorial boards for CPA Journal and Financial Accountability & Management . Co-leads special issues on critical dialogics and publicness in accounting.
Nick Abel is an Honorary Associate Professor at the Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University. With a distinguished international career spanning Africa and Australia, he has worked in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana, Somalia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Australia. His academic credentials include a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc.(Hons.), reflecting a strong foundation in environmental sciences and complex systems thinking. Abel's research program centers on the critical challenge of human adaptation to climate change, with particular focus on why adaptation efforts are insufficient to prevent environmental and social tipping points. He critically examines Australia's role as the world's third largest exporter of fossil fuels while facing escalating climate impacts, investigating how fossil fuel companies have maintained influence over public policy. His work integrates social-ecological systems theory, resilience thinking, and practical governance frameworks to address climate adaptation challenges. His publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational work in rangeland management and complex adaptive systems toward urgent climate policy interventions. Early research established theoretical frameworks for understanding resilience in dryland ecosystems, while recent work focuses on transformation pathways, Indigenous engagement, and community-based adaptation strategies. A consistent thread throughout his career is the integration of diverse knowledge systems and the development of practical approaches for environmental governance in rapidly changing conditions. Abel has registered to supervise research students at ANU and participates in significant collaborative projects, including the current 'Partnering with local communities in regional Australia to increase resilience to flood events' (2022-2025). His high-impact publications, including the highly cited 'Resilience management in social-ecological systems' (1,120 Scopus citations) and 'From Metaphor to Measurement: Resilience of What to What?' (2,596 Scopus citations), demonstrate his foundational contributions to the field. Through his work with various research groups and projects, Abel has helped establish frameworks for understanding social-ecological systems and climate adaptation. His contributions to the Fenner School include advancing methodologies for integrating scientific and Indigenous knowledge systems, developing practical approaches to environmental governance, and critically examining the political economy of climate policy in Australia.
Professor Libby Porter is a leading academic and researcher in urban planning and human geography at RMIT University, Australia. As Director of the Centre for Urban Research (CUR) and Professor in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies (GUSS), her work focuses on critical urban governance, decolonising planning practices, Indigenous rights, and urban displacement. She holds a prestigious position as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has contributed extensively to international policy debates through her role as Assistant Editor for Planning Theory and Practice . Her research examines settler-colonial dynamics in urban development, public housing policy, and the intersection of planning with Indigenous sovereignty. Notable publications include Unlearning the Colonial Cultures of Planning (2010) and Planning in Indigenous Australia (2018). Libby has held academic roles in the UK and Australia and previously worked in urban planning policy for Victorian Government departments. She supervises students in Honours, Masters, and PhD programs, focusing on topics like Indigenous housing, urban displacement, and environmental policy. Her work has been featured in The Conversation , BBC News, and academic journals. Libby also leads the Critical Urban Governance Research Program and oversees the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning at RMIT. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Key Roles: Director, Centre for Urban Research; Co-founder, Planners Network UK; Member, Expert Advisory Panel for Melbourne 2030 Research Themes: Property rights, urban sustainability, decolonisation, Indigenous planning, gentrification
Prof. Maureen Taylor is a Visiting Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Communication, specializing in strategic communication and public relations. She holds a PhD from Purdue University and previously served as Director of the University of Tennessee’s School of Advertising and Public Relations and as the Gayford Family Chair at the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on public relations theory, dialogue, disaster resilience, and digital media impact. Taylor chairs the Public Relations Review journal and has authored over 70 articles and multiple books. She is a Pathfinder Award recipient (2010) and an ICA Fellow (2018). Supervision is available for Masters and PhD students in strategic communication. Education: PhD in Communication, Purdue University (1996). Research Interests: Nation building, civil society engagement, crisis communication, and media’s role in divided societies. Recent work includes frameworks for community disaster resilience and digital media’s cultural impact in post-Soviet regions. Funded Projects: Includes WHO-funded studies on health communication evaluation and Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC-funded community preparedness models. Grants focus on measurement of government communications and pandemic response strategies. Current projects explore dialogic engagement architectures in social media. Awards: Pathfinder Award (2010), ICA Fellowship (2018). Grants & Collaborations: Over 10 funded projects since 2018, including evaluations of NSW government advertising and WHO’s Western Pacific Region campaigns.
Ana Paula Da Silva is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science, specializing in coastal oceanography and eco-morphodynamics. Her work focuses on wave climate changes, sediment transport dynamics, coastal adaptation strategies, and Arctic coastal processes. She holds a Ph.D. from Griffith University (Australia) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Quebec (Canada), studying High Arctic coastal erosion. Currently, she investigates the Great Barrier Reef's eco-morphodynamics and projected coastal changes through 2100. Education Ph.D. in Coastal Oceanography, Griffith University, Australia (Focus: Fingal Headland sediment bypassing) MSc in Coastal Dynamics, UFSC, Brazil Bachelor (Hons) in Oceanography, UFSC, Brazil Research Interests Ana's research bridges climate science and coastal management, emphasizing: Climate-driven changes in wave regimes and sediment transport Headland bypassing mechanisms and coastal connectivity Arctic coastal morphodynamics impacted by glacier retreat Long-term coastal vulnerability assessments Media Engagement She has participated in science communications through: ABC Radio interviews (2021) explaining Fingal Head sand bypassing impacts Conversation article (2020) on disappearing Australian beaches Lab/Affiliation Affiliated with Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, contributing to interdisciplinary coastal research initiatives.
Jocelyn Davies is a University Fellow at the Faculty of Arts and Society, Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University. She lives and works in Alice Springs and has specialized in arid rangeland environments. As a geographer and predominantly qualitative researcher, she is skilled in participatory action research methods with extensive experience in Aboriginal land management initiatives across Australia. Her research profile demonstrates significant engagement with: Climate change adaptation in arid environments (70% research focus) Land management practices (66% research focus) Protected area management (61% research focus) Rangeland systems (59% research focus) Dr. Davies' scholarly work shows a strong international dimension, with research conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, Vietnam, and Inner Mongolia. Her fingerprint analysis reveals significant contributions to Environmental Impact Assessment (52%) and Ecosystem Function studies (52%). Her publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output with significant impact, particularly her 2020 article on Indigenous adaptation pathways which has received 117 Scopus citations and influenced policy development. Her research has been widely disseminated through platforms like Mendeley with hundreds of readers across multiple publications. Dr. Davies' work contributes substantially to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, life on land, and reduced inequalities through her focus on indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable land management practices. She maintains active research collaborations across multiple countries and has documented 16 research outputs with significant policy engagement, including references in multiple policy documents and news outlets. Her current work focuses on documenting the 50-year history of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress through participatory methods.
Professor Sabine Dittmann is a leading expert in coastal ecosystem ecology and marine sciences at Flinders University, Australia. As a Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Science and Engineering, her work bridges research and environmental management, focusing on hypersaline estuaries, blue carbon restoration, and invasive species control. She holds a Habilitation in Ecology from the University of Bremen (2001), PhD from the University of Göttingen (1987), and MSc from the same institution (1984). Her research interests include coastal ecosystem health, mangrove and saltmarsh restoration, and decision support frameworks for marine conservation. She has advised government agencies on marine parks, Commonwealth Marine Reserves, and the Coorong ecosystem. Key roles include national president of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (2012–2014), current president of the Royal Society of South Australia, and member of the Australian Antarctic Science Council since 2019. Her recent work emphasizes the global challenges of hypersaline wetland restoration, invasive species impact, and blue carbon methodologies. Over 112 publications span estuarine dynamics, benthic macrofauna, and policy-relevant ecosystem assessments. Projects like the Coorong benthic surveys highlight her commitment to translating science into conservation action.
Associate Professor Samantha Schulz is a sociologist of education at The University of Adelaide's School of Education, within the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. She specializes in educational justice, focusing on First Nations education, race critical theory, affect studies, and gender equity. Her work spans international contexts including Kenya, India, China, and Australia's APY Lands. She is co-convenor of the Pedagogies for Justice Research Group, affiliated with CRESI and the Fay Gale Centre for Research on Gender. As Program Director for the Master of Teaching program, she emphasizes socially engaged pedagogies. Recent research includes the ARC-funded 'Culturally Responsive Schooling' project (2022-24) and studies on gender-based violence in educational settings. Her publications explore decolonial methodologies, critical race theory, and the intersection of affect and pedagogy. Her grants include leadership roles in projects addressing Indigenous sovereignty in education, culturally responsive curriculum design, and restorative practices. Notable collaborations involve UniSA and Open University of Cyprus. She co-edits the Routledge 'Local Global Issues in Education' series and actively publishes on topics ranging from toxic masculinity in academia to anti-racist policy frameworks. Her advising focuses on fostering critical scholarship in Masters and PhD candidates, with research supervision emphasizing justice-oriented educational practices. She leads initiatives like 'Teaching in an era of digital influence' and has contributed to policy discussions on preventing violent extremism in schools. Her work bridges theoretical rigor with practical advocacy for marginalized communities in education systems globally.
