My research is complemented by leadership and service activities that contribute to environmental policy and governance, the research community, and science–policy processes. These roles provide opportunities to strengthen interdisciplinary research, build research capability and contribute to environmental decision-making nationally and internationally.
Institutional leadership
I lead the Social and Environmental Sustainability research theme at the Centre for Policy Futures, The University of Queensland. Between 2021 and 2022, I served as Acting Director of the Centre for 11 months, providing strategic and operational leadership during a period of organisational transition. This included leading research planning, supporting staff development, and maintaining the Centre’s research, engagement and capacity-building activities.
International assessments and science–policy leadership
I contribute to international science–policy processes through leadership roles in major environmental assessments, including as Coordinating Lead Author (Oceans and Coasts) for the United Nations Global Environment Outlook 7 and previously as Lead Author (Oceans and Coastal Policy) for Global Environment Outlook 6. I also contribute to national and international environmental governance initiatives through expert working groups and international research networks.
Editorial and professional service
I contribute to the development of environmental governance scholarship through editorial and peer-review activities. I serve on the Editorial Board of PLOS Climate and as Associate Editor for Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation. I also assess research proposals for major national and international funding agencies and regularly review manuscripts for leading international journals in environmental policy, governance and sustainability science.
Research funding
My research funding spans Australian Categories 1–3, reflecting success across nationally competitive schemes and government, industry and philanthropic partnerships. Since joining The University of Queensland, I have led, co-led or served as a Chief Investigator on research programs that have attracted more than A$13 million in external funding. These include major initiatives supported by the Australian Research Council, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and state government partners.