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.
Ruth Reef is an Associate Professor at the School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University. She leads the Coastal Research Group, focusing on coastal dynamics, climate change impacts, and environmental DNA applications. Her research emphasizes mangrove and coral reef ecosystems' resilience to sea level rise and human activity. She coordinates courses such as EAE3311 (Oceans and Coasts) and teaches EAE1022 (Earth, Atmosphere and Environment 2). Expertise: Coastal processes, sediment transport, climate adaptation, and ecosystem management. Projects: Includes studies on mangrove restoration in Vietnam, coastal wetland carbon fluxes, and bathymetry innovations via CoastBAT. Her work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable ecosystems. Notably, she received the 2021 Award for Exceptional Educational Service to the Faculty of Science.
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).
Dr. Luke Jeffrey is a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , Southern Cross University , specializing in wetland biogeochemistry and tree stem methane emissions . He holds a BSc (1st Hons) and PhD from Southern Cross University, where he received the Chancellor's Medal for Outstanding PhD Thesis (2022) and Early Career Researcher Award for Research Excellence (2024) . Current Role: ARC DECRA Fellow investigating tree-mediated methane fluxes in Australian forest biomes Key Research Areas: Greenhouse gas dynamics, carbon cycle, wetland ecology, and groundwater biogeochemistry Publications: 47 peer-reviewed works with >17,000 reads and 987 citations His groundbreaking work on 'Treethane' (tree stem methane emissions) has revealed critical insights into: Microbial controls via bark-dwelling methanotrophs Hydrological and seasonal drivers of methane transport Cryptic carbon loss pathways in mangroves Integration of stable isotopes for methane oxidation analysis Scientific accolades include: Chancellor's Medal for Outstanding PhD Thesis (Southern Cross University, 2022) Early Career Researcher Award for Research Excellence (Southern Cross University, 2024) CSIRO Top-Up Scholarship (2016) APA Scholarship (2016) SCU University Medal (2015) As co-supervisor of five PhD candidates, he advances research on: Automated methane sensing technology (iAMES) Submarine groundwater discharge impacts on coastal nutrients Blue carbon ecosystem dynamics Tree-mediated greenhouse gas transport mechanisms
Dr Alice Jones is a Senior Lecturer in Resilience Ecology at the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences, within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. She leads the Future Coasts Lab, focusing on coastal ecosystems' role in mitigating climate change through blue carbon storage and restoration. Her research emphasizes seagrass restoration, marine aquaculture sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration with governments and NGOs. Education: PhD from the National Oceanography Centre (UK), MSc in Aquatic Resource Management (King's College London), BSc Zoology (Manchester University). Research interests include blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses, saltmarshes), climate change mitigation, and policy frameworks. Key projects include a federally-funded seagrass restoration initiative in South Australia and collaborations on climate-smart aquaculture. Notable awards: 2020 Winnovation Award, 2021 South Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Award, and 2022-2024 Superstar of STEM. She is an Associate Editor for Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation . Grants include a $2.1M Commonwealth grant for Gulf St Vincent seagrass restoration and a $1M project measuring blue carbon benefits. She has mentored Honours and PhD students in coastal ecology and collaborates internationally on policy and restoration. Labs/Teams: Future Coasts Lab, part of interdisciplinary networks focused on coastal resilience and climate action.
Professor Kerrylee Rogers is a Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Wollongong, leading the Environmental Futures Research Centre. She specializes in coastal vulnerability to climate change, focusing on mangrove and saltmarsh ecosystems' resilience to sea-level rise, global warming, and human-driven pressures. Her work bridges ecological science with policy, emphasizing carbon sequestration and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. Education: D.Phil. in Environmental Science from the University of Wollongong (2002–2005). Current roles include Principal Fellow in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health and Director of the Environmental Futures Research Centre. Research Interests: Coastal wetland dynamics, blue carbon storage, climate change adaptation, and the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific methods. Her studies include global saltmarsh carbon-sequestration patterns and the impacts of tropical cyclones on mangroves. Publications highlight advancements in coastal monitoring frameworks, mangrove dieback mechanisms, and restoration strategies. Awards include the Eureka Prize finalist recognition and leadership in IAEA regional projects. Supervision: Actively guiding PhD students on topics like mangrove expansion, coastal fire impacts, and Indigenous knowledge integration. Grants include ARC funding for projects on mangrove sustainability and blue carbon. Labs/Teams: Directs the Environmental Futures Research Centre, focusing on planetary crises solutions through interdisciplinary research.
Jeff Kelleway is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences. His research focuses on coastal wetland ecosystem function, particularly carbon sequestration in mangroves, saltmarshes, and supratidal forests. He explores how these ecosystems respond to climate change and human impacts, emphasizing greenhouse gas dynamics and long-term carbon storage. Appointments: Senior Research Fellow (2023–present), Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow (2019–2022). Awards: Finalist, Eureka Prize for Environmental Research (2019); Tony Roach Prize in Marine Science (2016). Research interests include climate change impacts on wetlands, blue carbon mitigation strategies, and ecosystem resilience. His work integrates field studies, remote sensing, and biogeochemical analysis to inform global climate policy and conservation efforts. Teaching and supervision focus on coastal wetland responses to extreme events, carbon sequestration drivers, and mangrove-saltmarsh dynamics. He advises multiple PhD candidates on topics like post-fire wetland recovery and sea-level rise impacts.
Professor Damien Maher is an Associate Dean (Research) at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University , and a Professor of Earth Sciences. His research focuses on coastal carbon and nutrient cycling, blue carbon, greenhouse gas accounting, and novel sensor development for environmental monitoring. Expertise in groundwater-surface water exchange and biogeochemical processes Collaborates with industry and government for applied climate solutions Awarded over $5 million in research funding Author of more than 130 publications Research Trends : Recent articles highlight advancements in carbon cycling in tidal wetlands, microbial methane dynamics in wetlands, climate-driven mangrove dieback, and low-cost sensor innovations for air and water quality. Key themes include groundwater carbon fluxes, blue carbon accounting, and coastal acidification. Scientific Recognition : 2022 Inspiring Researcher Award, Southern Cross University 2017 Cronin Award, Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation Leadership : Serves as Associate Editor for Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta and on editorial boards for Oceans and Journal of Marine Science and Engineering . Supervises postgraduate students and contributes to higher-degree research programs.
Dr. Melissa Wartman is a Senior Research Fellow at RMIT University’s School of Science, leading interdisciplinary research at the Centre for Nature Positive Solutions . Her work focuses on advancing nature-based climate solutions, particularly in coastal wetland restoration, to enhance biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. She designs restoration strategies, evaluates blue carbon ecosystems, and develops policy-relevant tools for decision-making. Her research integrates field data, innovative monitoring techniques, and multi-sector partnerships to bridge science and practice. Key areas include blue carbon science, ecosystem service valuation, and spatial prioritization for restoration projects. She is actively involved in the UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 11 (Sustainable Cities), and 15 (Life on Land). Recent publications emphasize quantifying coastal wetlands’ protective benefits, landholder engagement in restoration, and modeling blue carbon dynamics. Her work aims to empower communities and governments through evidence-based solutions that balance ecological, economic, and social outcomes. Advising: Open to supervising Masters/PhD students in restoration ecology, blue carbon economics, and policy integration. Labs/Teams: Centre for Nature Positive Solutions.
Nick Davidson is a Professor and Wetland Ecologist at Charles Sturt University, affiliated with the Prof Gulbali Research Institute. His work spans wetland conservation, ecological assessment, and policy development, with strong contributions to the Ramsar Convention and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology/Animal Biology), Durham University (1975–1980) Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Zoology, University of Aberdeen (1971–1975) His research focuses on the ecology, conservation, and sustainable use of coastal and inland wetlands, with expertise in migratory waterbirds, ecophysiology, and integrated coastal zone management. He actively contributes to global wetland science through high-impact publications and datasets. Recent publications highlight trends in global wetland loss, Ramsar Convention frameworks, and ecosystem service valuation, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary approach combining ecology, policy, and geospatial science. His work is widely cited and influences international conservation strategies. Scientific Awards and Recognition: No specific awards listed, but significant recognition through high citation count (over 12,000) and h-index of 26. Contributor to major scientific reports and policy-relevant research. Nick Davidson is a registered supervisor and has mentored students in wetland ecology and conservation. His research is supported by extensive collaborations across institutions and countries, with datasets shared publicly. He is actively involved in media engagement to promote wetland protection globally. He leads and contributes to major research initiatives, including the Global Lakes and Wetlands Database and historical reconstructions of wetland loss. His work integrates field research, policy analysis, and global data synthesis to inform conservation and sustainable development.
Professor Rod Connolly is a marine scientist and academic at Griffith University, holding the position of Professor in Marine Science within the School of Environment and Science (Department of Environment and Marine). He leads the Coastal and Marine Research Centre and the Global Wetlands Project at Griffith University. His work focuses on automated monitoring of marine ecosystems, including reefs, seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangroves, using tools like chemical tracers and deep learning algorithms to assess ecosystem health and blue carbon sequestration. He chairs scientific panels managing water quality and habitat conservation globally. Connolly teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in estuarine ecology and has supervised over 30 doctoral students. His research addresses urbanization, climate change, and ecosystem resilience, with a strong emphasis on applied solutions for sustainable coastal management. Education: PhD in Marine Science from the University of Adelaide. Research Interests: Automated marine ecosystem monitoring Deep learning analysis of marine imagery Ecology of coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves Climate change impacts on marine systems Ecosystem resilience and spatial conservation planning Key Contributions: Developed AI-driven methods for fish surveys and coastal monitoring. Advanced understanding of blue carbon dynamics in coastal wetlands. Guided restoration strategies for shellfish reefs and mangroves. Grants & Collaborations: Led over 140 funded projects, including collaborations with government agencies (e.g., NSW Department of Primary Industries), NGOs (e.g., The Goodman Foundation), and international partners (e.g., Water and Environmental Association of the River Kymi). Major grants include $954,836 from the Australian Research Council for wetland assessment studies. Labs & Teams: Directs the Coastal and Marine Research Centre and contributes to the Australian Rivers Institute, fostering interdisciplinary coastal research.
Troy Gaston is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Engagement and Outreach at the University of Newcastle's School of Environmental and Life Sciences. His work focuses on environmental monitoring and assessment programs investigating the health and functioning of estuarine and coastal systems. He specializes in tracking nutrient sources and quantifying food-web interactions via stable isotope analysis across benthic, planktonic, and pelagic habitats. Education: PhD, University of New South Wales Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of New South Wales Graduate Certificate in University Teach & Learn, University of Tasmania Gaston's research centers on ecosystem-based management approaches, with particular expertise in stable isotope analysis to trace nutrient flows in coastal ecosystems. He investigates how estuarine and coastal habitats like saltmarsh, mangroves, and seagrass contribute to fisheries productivity, and has developed methods to link these habitats to commercial and recreational fishery yields. His work extends to the South Pacific, where he leads coral reef health assessment programs in the Cook Islands and Samoa, combining chemical tracers, remote-underwater survey techniques, and community-based science workshops. Gaston is also known for his innovative research on bycatch reduction in prawn-trawl fisheries. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on marine ecology, climate change impacts on coastal systems, and the application of novel technologies for ecosystem monitoring. Key research themes include stable isotope analysis for tracking nutrient flows, ray bioturbation and its ecosystem impacts, predator-prey dynamics in urchin barrens, and the effects of anthropogenic stressors on marine communities. His work spans from molecular-level investigations of marine organism physiology to large-scale continental assessments of climate-driven species range shifts. As an educator, Gaston has taught courses including Environmental Science: Concepts and Methods, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Integrated Coastal Ecosystems, and Spatial Science. His teaching approach integrates field studies, laboratory work, and theoretical concepts to prepare students for careers in environmental science and management. Gaston leads collaborative research projects across Australia and the South Pacific, working with government agencies, local communities, and international partners to translate ecosystem science into conservation practice. His work emphasizes community engagement and capacity building, particularly in Pacific Island nations where he helps transfer scientific tools and knowledge to local marine park managers and communities.
Dr. Matthew Taylor is an Adjunct Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Senior Principal Research Scientist & Program Leader for Recreational Fisheries Research at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. His work focuses on applied ecological research to support fisheries enhancement and restoration, specializing in recreational fisheries science. He leads a team of 6 Senior Research Scientists and has authored over 223 peer-reviewed publications, securing $27 million in competitive grants and supervising 22 PhD students. Taylor’s research spans fisheries management, PFAS contamination impacts, and the ecological role of coastal habitats like mangroves and saltmarshes. His current program underpins evidence-based management of recreational fisheries in NSW. Research interests include marine fisheries ecology, stock enhancement strategies, habitat restoration, and the socio-ecological dynamics of urban fisheries. His work integrates telemetry, bioenergetics modeling, and environmental monitoring to address contemporary challenges such as climate change effects on fisheries and contaminant bioaccumulation. Taylor collaborates broadly, with studies extending from species-specific behavior (e.g., blue swimmer crab, giant mud crab) to large-scale ecosystem services valuation. Key achievements include pioneering the economic valuation of estuarine habitats for fisheries, advancing stock enhancement practices (e.g., fish and crustacean stocking), and developing methods to assess PFAS exposure risks in aquatic species. His team’s work contributes to policy frameworks for sustainable fisheries management, balancing ecological integrity with recreational and economic benefits. Advisees include 22 PhD students across fisheries biology, ecology, and environmental science. Grant funding supports projects like mangrove-fisheries linkages, acoustic telemetry networks for species tracking, and PFAS depuration studies in wild-caught seafood. Taylor’s operational base is the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, where his team applies cutting-edge techniques to address real-world fisheries challenges.
Dr. Christina Birnbaum is a Senior Lecturer in Terrestrial Ecology at the University of Southern Queensland's School of Agriculture and Environmental Science. With over 15 years of international research experience spanning Europe, Australia, and the USA, she has established herself as a leading researcher in plant-microbe-soil interactions and invasion ecology. Her work integrates field observations, experimental manipulations, and molecular tools to investigate ecological processes across diverse ecosystems including shrublands, saltmarshes, mangroves, and peatlands. She currently serves as lead convener for the Ecological Society of Australia's Plant-Soil Ecology Special Interest Network, which she co-founded in 2016, and as a member of the editorial board for Springer's Plant Ecology journal. Bachelor of Natural Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences (2005) Master of Natural Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences (2007) PhD, Macquarie University (2013) Dr. Birnbaum's research focuses on plant-microbe-soil interactions, particularly how these relationships influence invasion ecology, restoration ecology, and ecosystem responses to environmental change. Her work spans diverse ecosystems from Australian peatlands to Louisiana coastal marshes, examining how microbial communities affect plant health, invasion success, and ecosystem resilience. She has made significant contributions to understanding how invasive species alter soil microbial communities and how these changes can be leveraged for ecosystem restoration. Her research has important implications for conservation strategies, invasive species management, and sustainable agricultural practices. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong focus on microbial ecology in various ecosystems, particularly examining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, soil microbial communities in peatlands, and plant-fungal interactions in coastal wetlands. Her research demonstrates increasing integration of molecular tools with traditional ecological approaches, and a growing emphasis on practical applications for ecosystem restoration and climate change adaptation. There is a clear trajectory toward more collaborative, interdisciplinary research addressing pressing environmental challenges. Co-founder and lead convener of the Ecological Society of Australia Plant-Soil Ecology Special Interest Network (2016-present) Editorial Board member for Plant Ecology journal (2017-present) Dr. Birnbaum actively supervises multiple doctoral and master's students, with current projects focusing on fungal endophytes, invasive species impacts, and restoration ecology. She has secured research funding as both principal and co-investigator, including projects on soil microbial communities in ephemeral rock pools and soil chemical properties in invaded areas. Her advocacy for equity and diversity in STEM is evident through her participation in mentoring programs in both the USA and Australia. The Birnbaum Group at USQ studies plant ecology and plant-microbe-soil interactions using integrated approaches to inform invasive species management, conservation, and restoration ecology.
Dr Alice Twomey is a multidisciplinary Research Fellow in the School of the Environment at The University of Queensland (UQ), working in Professor Catherine Lovelock's Lab. Her research focuses on modeling hydrological flows to enhance coastal wetland restoration, particularly mangroves, saltmarsh, and seagrass ecosystems. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from UQ (2021) and has prior experience as a coastal engineer. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, The University of Queensland (2021) Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, Griffith University Research interests emphasize hydrological connectivity, nature-based coastal protection, and blue carbon dynamics. Recent work includes global mangrove distribution datasets and frameworks for coastal restoration. She chairs committees for early-career researchers and contributes to national ecological restoration roadmaps. Publications highlight mangrove morphology, seagrass coastal defense, and plastic pollution impacts. Awards include Superstars of STEM (2025-2026) and recognition in engineering excellence. Supervises PhD projects on coastal restoration feasibility and carbon sequestration. Active in Smithsonian fellowships linking Australian and Panamanian ecosystems. Labs/Teams: Lovelock Mangrove and Blue Carbon Lab, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science.