Thomas Wernberg is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA), affiliated with the UWA Oceans Institute. His research focuses on ecological interactions in coastal marine habitats, particularly kelp forests, and their responses to climate change, marine heatwaves, and invasive species. He has held roles including Chair of UWA's Boating & Diving Safety Committee and Editor-in-Chief of Aquatic Botany . Wernberg has contributed to over 267 publications and secured 53 grants, including projects on kelp restoration and blue carbon management. He is a recipient of multiple 'Highly Cited Researcher' awards and has advised on initiatives like Seaforester . His work bridges sub-cellular to macro-ecological scales, addressing climate mitigation through marine ecosystem services. Education: MSc from Roskilde University (RUC). Previous Positions: ARC Future Fellow (2011–2015), Senior Lecturer (2015–2021), and various postdoctoral roles at UWA and other institutions. Research Themes: Climate change impacts, marine heatwaves, kelp restoration ( Green Gravel ), blue carbon, and biodiversity conservation. His lab explores resilience thresholds, ecological costs of stress, and genetic diversity's role in adaptation. Collaborations span global institutions, with active research in Arctic/Subarctic regions and Australian marine ecosystems. Grants & Projects: Includes operational upscaling of seaforestation, hydrodynamic energy attenuation studies, and blue carbon management. He leads initiatives to protect 4 million hectares of kelp forests by 2040. Awards: 2019–2022 Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science), 2022 Senior Research Award (UWA School of Biological Sciences). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Great Southern Reef Foundation, Uluu Scientific Advisory Board, and international networks like the Green Gravel Action Group .
Professor Stuart Phinn is a distinguished academic at the University of Queensland, serving as Professor in the School of the Environment and Centre Director of the Remote Sensing Research Centre (Earth Observation Research Centre). He also maintains affiliations with the Centre for Marine Science. With a career spanning over two decades, Professor Phinn has established himself as a leading expert in earth observation and environmental monitoring, with over 559 publications including 295 journal articles. His educational background includes a Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced) from The University of Queensland and a Doctor of Philosophy from San Diego State University. Professor Phinn's leadership extends to founding directorships of Australia's national earth observation coordination body (www.eoa.org.au) and collaborative research infrastructure (www.tern.org.au), as well as a world-leading research-to-operational program supporting government environmental monitoring (www.jrsrp.org.au). He also leads the Earth Observation for Government Network. Professor Phinn's research focuses on monitoring environmental change using earth observation and field data. His work primarily involves using images collected from satellites and aircraft, combined with field measurements, to map and monitor Earth's environments and how they change over time. This research is conducted in collaboration with environmental scientists, government agencies, NGOs, and private companies. A growing aspect of his work focuses on national coordination of earth observation activities and the collection, publishing, and sharing of ecosystem data. His work provides solutions to support sustainable development and resource use for governments, industries, and communities. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying earth observation technologies to solve environmental challenges across multiple domains. The 15 most recent articles reveal strong themes in coral reef mapping and monitoring, land cover change detection, fire resilience analysis, and advanced remote sensing techniques including multi-sensor fusion and machine learning applications. His work spans terrestrial, coastal, and marine environments, with significant contributions to understanding environmental change in Australia and internationally, particularly in Indonesia. Professor Phinn has secured substantial research funding from diverse sources including government agencies (Queensland Government, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority), industry partners (SmartSat CRC, Blue Economy CRC), and international organizations (Google Inc, Vulcan Inc). Current projects include evaluating impacts of threats to endangered reptiles, automating tree-scale vegetation structure monitoring, and continuing the Joint Remote Sensing Research Program. As an academic supervisor, Professor Phinn has mentored numerous PhD and Master's students, with current supervision spanning topics from forest disturbance analysis to kelp forest mapping and fire resilience of mine site rehabilitation. His extensive supervision history demonstrates his commitment to training the next generation of earth observation scientists. The Earth Observation Research Centre he directs fosters a collaborative research environment focused on transforming satellite and airborne images with field survey data into meaningful environmental information for decision-making.
Professor Brendan Kelaher is a marine biologist with over 20 years of experience at Southern Cross University , where he serves as Chief Remote Pilot and Chair of the Animal Care and Ethics Committee. His work integrates drone technology with marine ecology to address critical challenges in coastal ecosystems and climate change adaptation. With a BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Sydney , his research spans marine wildlife monitoring , 4D habitat mapping , fisheries biology , and cloud brightening to prevent coral bleaching. He teaches Marine Megafauna and Drone Technology units in the Bachelor of Science program. His recent publications highlight advancements in drone-based marine monitoring , plastic pollution impacts on macroalgal decomposition, and climate engineering for reef preservation. Thematic keywords include Marine Ecology , Climate Change Mitigation , and Drone Technology , with sub_fields like Shark Behavior Analysis and Plastic-Biodegradation Interactions . Outstanding Teaching Award (2021) Senior Researcher Award for Research Excellence (2022) Outstanding Teaching Excellence Award (2023) He supervises students in marine wildlife monitoring , drone habitat mapping , and climate change adaptation research. His affiliations include the National Marine Science Centre and Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University.
Professor Peter Macreadie is a global leader in marine science and sustainability at RMIT University, where he serves as Director of the Centre for Nature Positive Solutions and founder of the Blue Carbon Lab. He holds a professorial appointment in the School of Science and has held prior roles at Deakin University (2016–2024). His research focuses on leveraging nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change, including blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses, tidal marshes) and teal carbon innovations. He leads interdisciplinary projects in ecosystem restoration, coastal protection, and natural capital accounting, collaborating with governments, industries, and communities. Macreadie’s work spans over 250 publications in top journals like Science and Nature Climate Change , and he has attracted over $35M in research funding. His awards include the 2023 Frontiers Planet Prize and 2020 Premier’s Sustainability Award. He emphasizes translating science into actionable policies and practices, addressing challenges like microplastics, offshore infrastructure decommissioning, and citizen science engagement. Research Themes: Blue Carbon, Climate Mitigation, Ecosystem Restoration Key Projects: Mangrove restoration cost-benefit analysis, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and hybrid green-grey infrastructure He actively supervises PhD and industry projects, such as investigating microplastic impacts on blue carbon systems and feasibility of ocean alkalinity projects. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).
Michael Burton is an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in the School of Agriculture and Environment, affiliated with the UWA Oceans Institute and the Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy. He holds a BSc from Bath University, an MA from Manchester University, and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Manchester. Previously, he served at the University of Manchester as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer. His research focuses on applied economics in agriculture and natural resources, emphasizing quantitative methods for environmental valuation, particularly marine biodiversity. Key projects include the NERP Marine Biodiversity Hub and work on coastal ecosystems. He teaches Agricultural Policy, Econometrics, and Natural Resource Economics. Burton has secured 46 grants, including projects on biosolids transformation and coastal values. His awards include the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment Research Mentorship Award (2023) and collaborative research recognitions. He collaborates internationally on topics like habitat dependency indices and stakeholder engagement in marine management. Education: BSc in Economics, Bath University (1981) MA in Agricultural Economics, Manchester University PhD in Agricultural Economics, Manchester University Research Interests: His work spans agricultural policy, bio-economic modelling, non-market valuation, and sustainable resource management. He applies choice experiments and willingness-to-pay analyses to evaluate environmental and policy impacts. Current emphases include marine ecosystem valuation, urban waterways management, and stakeholder-driven decision support systems. Grants & Projects: Valuation of marine biodiversity (NERP Marine Biodiversity Hub) Coastal Values Project (WA Department of Planning) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biosolids (ARC) Awards: School of Agriculture and Environment Award for Research Mentorship (2023) Quality of Research Discovery Award (2021) Quality of Research Communication Award (2014) Labs/Teams: He leads research through the UWA Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy and collaborates with the UWA Oceans Institute. His work integrates interdisciplinary teams for marine spatial planning and ecosystem service valuation.
Associate Professor Ziggy Marzinelli is a faculty member at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, specializing in marine microbiology and ecosystem restoration. His research focuses on host-microbiome interactions, kelp forest ecology, and urban marine ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on applying ecological principles to environmental solutions. He has supervised numerous PhD and Honours students, contributing to projects like Operation Crayweed aimed at restoring Sydney's underwater forests. Marzinelli's research integrates molecular analyses with ecological theory, addressing how microbial communities influence marine holobionts and their resilience to environmental changes. He holds grants including ARC Discovery and Linkage projects, and is affiliated with the Sydney Environment Institute, Frontiers journals, and professional societies like the Ecological Society of America. His awards include the Eureka Prize for Environmental Research (2017 finalist) and the Green Globe Award (2017). He collaborates internationally, including with Singapore's Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering. Recent work explores microbial responses to light pollution, warming impacts on sea urchins, and sewage contamination surveillance using microbial indicators. Supervised 9 PhD and 7 Honours students since 2013 Co-leads projects on microbial diversity in kelp holobionts and urban marine restoration Published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters
Erika Techera is a Professor at the UWA Law School, University of Western Australia. She previously served as Interim Pro Vice Chancellor (International), Director of the UWA Oceans Institute, and Dean of the Faculty of Law. Her research focuses on environmental law, marine governance, climate change, and maritime heritage, with a regional emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. She holds board positions at organizations like the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Heritage Council of Western Australia. Education: PhD (Macquarie University, 2009), LLM (Macquarie, 2007), LLB (Hons) (University of Technology Sydney, 1993). She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and a certified company director. Research Interests: Marine environmental law and policy Climate change and fisheries law Cultural heritage protection (maritime and space) Blue economy governance Shark conservation and megafauna management Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes international legal frameworks for kelp forests, SDG implementation, and space law. Her publications address gaps in marine governance, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Scientific Awards: 2024 Excellence in Research Supervision Award 2016 Academic of the Year 2014 Fellow, Australian Academy of Law Grants & Projects: Includes compliance in heritage legislation, kelp forest legal analysis, and space debris mitigation. She has led initiatives on shark conservation and fisheries governance in the Indian Ocean. Labs/Teams: Active in the UWA Oceans Institute and International Space Centre, focusing on interdisciplinary marine and space law research.
Professor Adriana Verges is a leading marine ecologist at UNSW Sydney's School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Her research integrates climate change science with innovative marine ecosystem regeneration strategies, particularly focusing on kelp forests and seagrass meadows. Her primary research interests include: Climate change impacts on temperate marine ecosystems Tropicalization processes and range-shifting species Kelp forest and seagrass conservation/restoration Public engagement in marine restoration through participatory art-science initiatives Ecosystem service valuation of marine forests Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on kelp forest conservation challenges, tropicalization effects on temperate reefs, seagrass restoration techniques, and global assessments of marine forest ecosystems. The research consistently addresses climate change impacts while developing practical restoration methodologies like Operation Crayweed and Green Gravel. Scientific recognition includes: Green Globe Award (2017) for Operation Crayweed UNSW Emerging Thought Leader Prize (2019) WINGS Women of Discovery Award (2024) Verges directs the Kelp Forest Alliance and co-founded Operation Crayweed and Operation Posidonia, pioneering community-based marine restoration projects that have restored seaweed forests and seagrass meadows across New South Wales. Her work uniquely bridges rigorous science with public engagement through art-science collaborations.
Professor Bradley Evans is a distinguished Earth observation and remote sensing specialist at the University of New England, where he holds a position in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law within the School of Environmental and Rural Science. His expertise spans environmental science, biodiversity conservation, and the application of hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy to solve real-world environmental challenges. Previously, he has held significant positions including Director of Australia's Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network and Director of Sydney Informatics Hub at The University of Sydney. PhD in Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Western Australia, 2013 Bachelor of Science with Honours in Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Western Australia, 2009 Bachelor of Science in Energy Studies, Murdoch University, Western Australia, 2009 Advanced Diploma in Marketing Management, TAFE NSW, Bradfield College, 1999 CASA RPAS sub 25kg (Multirotor Drone) certification Professor Evans's research focuses on applying advanced remote sensing techniques to environmental monitoring and conservation. His work integrates hyperspectral imaging with ecological modeling to address critical issues such as koala habitat mapping, forest health assessment, and water quality monitoring. He has pioneered approaches using plant fluorescence to model growth patterns and has contributed significantly to NASA's OCO2 mission. His recent work emphasizes the development of open-source tools for hyperspectral imaging, making advanced remote sensing more accessible to researchers worldwide. Analysis of Professor Evans's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward practical applications of hyperspectral imaging across diverse environmental contexts. His work spans from precision agriculture applications for cotton farming to koala habitat conservation, demonstrating the versatility of remote sensing technologies. The research shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with hyperspectral data, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of environmental monitoring systems. There's also a notable emphasis on open-source solutions, reflecting his commitment to democratizing access to advanced remote sensing technologies. 2016 – Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network NSW – NSW Chief Scientist Award Multiple travel scholarships from NCCARF, EUFAR, and Australian Research Council 2010 Centre of Excellence for Climate Change PhD top-up Scholarship 2008 Master class Scholarship from Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists Professor Evans has successfully supervised numerous PhD and Master's students across multiple institutions, demonstrating strong mentorship capabilities. His research is supported by substantial grants including the $198K NSW Department of Environment Koala's in the Landscape project (2023), the University of Sydney's Koala's in the Air project ($70K), and significant funding for the OpenHSI initiative. He has been a Chief Investigator for the Australian Research Council Training Centre on CubeSats, UAVs and Their Applications, securing funding for innovative remote sensing projects. His work with NASA JPL's Surface Biology and Geology Study and collaborations with international space agencies demonstrates the global impact of his research. At the University of New England since 2023, Professor Evans has established the Earth Observation Laboratory with a special focus on water and wildlife habitat (particularly koalas) and riverine water quality. He serves as Vice President of Earth Observation Australia and participates in the AquaWatch Steering Committee for the Commonwealth Department of Defence. His laboratory actively collaborates with industry partners like HyVista Corporation and academic institutions including The University of Sydney. The lab emphasizes open-source approaches to remote sensing technology, exemplified by the OpenHSI project, which has created accessible hyperspectral imaging solutions for researchers worldwide.
Albert Pessarrodona is a DECRA Research Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences and the UWA Oceans Institute at The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on marine forest ecosystems, particularly the role of seaweeds in climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration. He holds a PhD in Marine Ecology (2022), MRes in Marine Biology (2016), and BSc in Biology (2015). Education: PhD in Marine Ecology, University of Western Australia (2022) MRes in Marine Biology, University of Western Australia (2016) BSc in Biology, University of Western Australia (2015) Research Interests: His work integrates ecological field observations with genomic approaches to address climate-driven changes in marine ecosystems. Key areas include: Carbon sequestration potential of seaweed forests Genetic resilience of kelp populations Global carbon cycle dynamics Interdisciplinary partnerships for scalable solutions Publications Trends: Recent articles emphasize: Carbon export mechanisms from coastal to deep-sea environments Genetic connectivity in marine forests post-extreme events Climate change impacts on kelp and macroalgal ecosystems Awards: 2024 Vice-Chancellor's Early-Career Research Award 2022 Dean’s List for outstanding PhD thesis 2018 Robson and Robertson Award Grants & Projects: LP22 Blue Carbon Management (ARC, 2024–2028) Blue Tonne Kelp Challenge (2022–2025) Cryptic Connections: Hidden Marine Biodiversity (2025–2027) Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with molecular ecologists and institutions like Conservation International, focusing on genomic tools to enhance ecological insights.
Professor David Schoeman is a Professor of Global-Change Ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Queensland, Australia. He holds a PhD, MSc (cum laude), BSc Hons (cum laude), and BSc (cum laude) from the University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela University), South Africa. His academic leadership includes designing and accrediting Australia’s first Bachelor of Animal Ecology degree program, which significantly boosted the university’s research capacity in marine and coastal ecology. His research focuses on marine climate-change ecology, climate-smart conservation planning, and quantitative ecology. He has contributed to high-impact studies published in journals like Science , Nature , and Nature Climate Change . He served as a Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report’s ocean and coastal chapter and played pivotal roles in the IPCC’s Special Report on the Oceans and Cryosphere. Key awards include the Vice-Chancellor and President’s Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (2017). He has secured over AUD $1.2 million in grants, including projects on marine climate-change impacts, fisheries modeling, and ecological forecasting. His outreach includes training over 1,000 scientists in R programming through annual workshops. Professional memberships include the Australian Marine Science Association. His work bridges research and teaching, emphasizing climate resilience and conservation solutions.
Professor Tim Finnigan is a faculty member and Head of School in the School of Engineering at the University of Tasmania. He is actively involved in research, supervision, and academic leadership, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainability. His work is supported by ongoing grants and collaborations in green hydrogen and wave energy technologies. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Western Australia (1996–1999) MASc in Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia (1992–1994) BASc in Engineering Physics, University of British Columbia (1986–1991) His research interests span renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, electricity markets, wave and tidal energy, fluid mechanics, and sustainable engineering. He applies principles from physical oceanography and mechanical design to develop practical energy solutions, particularly for remote communities. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in ocean-based renewable energy, especially wave and tidal systems, with focus on hydrodynamics, control strategies, and biomimetic designs. His work integrates experimental, computational, and field-based approaches to improve energy capture and system efficiency. No scientific awards are listed in the provided text. Professor Finnigan is currently supervising two doctoral students in areas of green hydrogen and acoustic sensing. He leads a funded project on green hydrogen for remote power supply (2023–2026), funded by 1376775 B.C. LTD and the University of Tasmania, with a total of $400,000. This project aims to integrate renewable energy into remote systems using hydrogen technologies to reduce emissions and costs. He is associated with no specific lab or team mentioned in the text, but his research outputs and grants suggest leadership in sustainable energy systems and ocean engineering initiatives at UTAS.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationAustralia
Prof Russ Babcock is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere and holds adjunct positions as Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University and Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Western Australia. With over 40 years of research experience, his work focuses on coral reefs, kelp forests, and marine conservation. Current research includes coral restoration and crown-of-thorns starfish management on the Great Barrier Reef. He leads the Impacts on Coastal Biodiversity Team and has contributed to major studies on marine reserve effectiveness and climate impacts. Education: BSc Hons(1) and PhD from James Cook University (1980, 1986). Professional roles include Associate Professor at University of Auckland (1993-2003), ARC Research Fellow (1986-1989), and leadership in national initiatives like the National Coral Bleaching Task Force and IMOS ATF committees. Research interests span coral reef ecology, marine protected areas, anthropogenic impacts, and acoustic tracking of marine species. Notable achievements include co-discovering coral mass spawning (1984) and winning the 1992 Pol Eureka Prize for Environmental Research. His work bridges ecological science with management, addressing climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation. Scientific awards: Pol Eureka Prize for Environmental Research (1992) Advising and grants: Extensive contributions to marine conservation policy, including roles in the Queensland Healthy Waterways Scientific Expert Panel and GBRMPA crown-of-thorns starfish committees. Over 150 publications and active in national and international scientific networks. Labs/teams: Leads CSIRO's Impacts on Coastal Biodiversity Team and collaborates with institutions like Ningaloo Outlook Projects and GISERA Marine. Research integrates fieldwork, modeling, and citizen science for ecosystem resilience strategies.
Samuel Starko is a Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the UWA Oceans Institute. He holds a PhD in Botany from the University of British Columbia, awarded in 2019. His research focuses on marine biology, specifically investigating how coastal marine habitats interact with environmental changes and their implications for ecology, evolution, and conservation. Education/Academic qualification: Botany, PhD, Morphological and functional diversification during kelp evolution, University of British Columbia (Award Date: 5 Apr 2019). Research Interests: Starko combines molecular techniques with field ecology to study environment-organism interactions, particularly in the context of global change. His work emphasizes coastal marine ecosystems, kelp forests, and conservation strategies. Key areas include genetic drift impacts, blue carbon assessments, and the ecological responses to marine heatwaves. Grant Activities: Starko leads or contributes to two active research projects: "Identifying potential trade-offs of adapting to climate change" funded by the ARC Australian Research Council (2024–2027) and "Revive and Restore" (2023–2025), exploring kelp conservation and restoration strategies. He is affiliated with the UWA Oceans Institute and collaborates extensively with international researchers through initiatives like the Kelp Forest Challenge.
Karen Filbee-Dexter is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia (UWA), holding an academic position in the School of Biological Sciences and affiliation with the UWA Oceans Institute. She leads and contributes to interdisciplinary projects addressing global kelp forest decline and restoration, including the development of the Green Gravel tool and Arctic kelp expansion studies. Education: Karen earned a PhD in Biology (Role of deep-living sea urchins in kelp ecosystems) from Dalhousie University in 2016, and a BSc (Honours with Distinction) in Biology from the same institution in 2010. Research Interests: Her work focuses on climate-driven changes to kelp forests, blue carbon dynamics, Arctic marine ecosystems, and interdisciplinary questions linking social and ecological systems. She explores restoration strategies, regime shifts (e.g., kelp to turf reefs), and ethical considerations in marine conservation. Current Projects: Includes DECRA (2019–2022), Turf Wars (2019–2022), BlueConnect (2019–2023), ArcticKelp (2019–2023), and SUKER (2017–2019). These projects involve international collaboration and aim to quantify stressor impacts, develop restoration tools, and assess ecosystem services. Grants and Collaborations: She has secured grants from the ARC, ArcticNet, SANOCEAN, and the Research Council of Norway. Collaborations span institutions like the Institute of Marine Research, University of Greenland, and Arctic fjord communities.
