Australian appointed Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy

Australian scientist Professor Hugh Possingham has been announced as Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organisation. The appointment will see Professor Possingham lead the work of more than 600 scientists engaged in conservation efforts across 69 countries around the world, including Australia.

Born in Adelaide, Professor Possingham is currently the Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellow and director of the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science at the University of Queensland. He simultaneously serves as director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) and the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Programme Threatened Species Recovery Hub.

As a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, Professor Possingham has been a leading voice in providing independent advice to the Australian Government and the public about environmental issues. He is the developer of Marxan software, which drove the rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is now used in more than 150 countries.

“Throughout his career, Hugh has used science to elevate the impact and effectiveness of conservation programs,” said Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “I am confident that he will build on The Nature Conservancy’s great history of science-based conservation and will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”

“It is a delight to be part of a global conservation organisation with such a strong commitment to using evidence and data to solve environmental problems on the ground,” added Professor Possingham. “Knowing that TNC has over 600 scientists among its 3500 staff, working with thousands of partners to protect nature, is exciting and humbling.”