UQ ecologist recognised for weed work

A University of Queensland ecologist has won a prestigious award for her work in designing more effective control strategies to combat the spread of invasive weeds.

Dr Yvonne Buckley, from the School of Biological Sciences, won the “Biotech Researcher Award” at the 2009 Women in Technology gala awards night on Saturday, August 29.

The award celebrates, recognises and rewards outstanding contributions made to biotechnology by an established researcher with an excellent track record.

As an applied quantitative ecologist, Dr Buckley’s research puts her at the forefront of addressing global challenges, particularly those thrown up by climate change.

“I’m interested in the fundamental ecology of plant and animal populations, which has impacts on the conservation and restoration of global biodiversity,” Dr Buckley said.

“As invasive organisms are both a major threat to biodiversity and cause economic losses to industries, my main research focus is on the population dynamics, spread and management of invasive plants.

“My group determines which invasives to manage, and where and when to manage them. We also work on ecological-economic models of invasive impact and whether or not new species should be introduced.

“Another major theme in my group's research is plant and animal movement where we conduct laboratory, field and modelling studies.”

Dr Buckley said her research was particularly relevant in light of the effects climate change was having on agricultural productivity and sustainability – an increasingly urgent environmental problem worldwide.

“My work on integrated weed management uses novel models to shift the focus of management “beyond the invader” towards whole of ecosystem goals,” she said.

Women in Technology (WiT) is one of Queensland's most respected and active technology industry associations and a peak body for women in Queensland’s technology industry.

The WiT Awards is an annual program developed in association with industry and has been runnign for 12 years.

Media: Dr Yvonne Buckley (07 33657085 or y.buckley@uq.edu.au) or Travis Taylor (07 33658598 or t.taylor1@uq.edu.au).