UQ scientist awarded global scientific honour

A world-leading ecologist from The University of Queensland has been awarded one of science’s highest honours, elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society (UK), the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.

Professor Hugh Possingham FRS is among only 90 experts recognised globally this year for outstanding impacts in their field.

He is honoured for his contribution to mathematical ecology and nature conservation research, which includes co-developing a conservation planning tool, Marxan, used in more than 180 countries to create systems of protected areas.

“Such recognition by international peers is little to do with my ability, but a reflection of the talents of my research students and colleagues. Science is highly collaborative and global – this is a team effort,” Professor Possingham said.

“Most Australians may be unaware that the science of ecology is one area where we truly excel, with about 10% of the most cited scientists in the world.”

President of the Royal Society Sir Adrian Smith welcomed the latest cohort of outstanding researchers into the Fellowship.

“Their achievements represent the very best of scientific endeavour, from basic discovery to research with real-world impact across health, technology and policy,” Sir Smith said.

As a Professor of Mathematics and Zoology, Professor Possingham has received numerous awards and fellowships including the Australian Maths Society Prize and the first Fenner Medal from the Australian Academy of Science. 

He has co-authored about 1000 research papers and supervised hundreds of early-career researchers.

His recent impact in ecology policy and advocacy includes his role as Queensland’s Chief Scientist (2020 to 2022), founding membership of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and Chief Scientist of global conversation organisation The Nature Conservancy (2016 to 2020).

He is also Co-Chair of the Biodiversity Council, Chair of the Board of TERN (Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network), Chief Scientist of Accounting for Nature, and Vice-President of BirdLife Australia.

Media contact

Professor Hugh Possingham
h.possingham@uq.edu.au
+61 434 079 061