Distinguished ARC Laureate Fellow and eminent Pew Fellow, Professor Peter J Mumby has been appointed to a newly created position as Professor in UQ's School of Biological Sciences from April 1, 2010.
Most recently from The University of Exeter, Professor Mumby has a distinguished career in ecological modeling of reef systems – a field developing innovative approaches to manage reefs using spatially explicit processes to answer questions such as where to locate reserves and/or where to prevent coastal deforestation.
Professor Mumby has contributed his expertise to develop mechanistic ecological models of coral reefs that integrate reef dynamics, conservation actions, and disturbance events including climate change.
"I'm delighted to arrive at UQ as I've been working with colleagues here for several years and the move will extend these relationships as well as generate new collaboration," Professor Mumby said.
Professor Mumby’s appointment will add to existing research conducted at UQ in the area of coral reefs. "Coral reefs are probably the most globally threatened ecosystem on Earth but there is much we can do to manage these systems more effectively," he said.
"Much of our research focuses on how best to deploy management resources so that we minimise the damage to reefs caused by climate change. That way, we help limit the impacts of climate change on the millions of people worldwide who depend on coral reefs."
In his new role at UQ, Professor Mumby will continue to work on Caribbean systems but will shift much of his emphasis to developing ecological models for Indo-Pacific reefs. Professor Mumby will also contribute to the University's Global Change Institute and is part of the Australian Research Centre (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies.
Global Change Institute director, Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, said it was exciting to have Professor Mumby join the team.
“Peter is one of the leading marine ecologists internationally, and will add significantly to the pre-eminence of The University of Queensland in marine science,” Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg said.
“His involvement in globally significant science will be a great addition to the Institute’s profile.”
Professor Mumby said he was already building a sizeable group of researchers, who would work with him on significant ecological and conservation science projects.
"The ARC Laureate Fellowship provides significant resources and has enabled me to assemble a wonderful new team of postdoctoral scientists and students. When you combine that with the extensive coral reef expertise throughout Queensland, including the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, it’s a small, but significant, step towards improving the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef," Professor Mumby said.
"I want to build on and enhance UQ’s reputation for developing and applying innovative ecological modelling tools for environmental, conservation and industry sectors. UQ has a very strong science base and the opportunities for forging cross-campus linkages are unrivalled."
UQ's School of Biological Sciences employs more than 120 scientists who are at the forefront of solutions for creating a sustainable future including: tackling climate change and protecting our biodiversity, securing health and combating infectious disease, and creating clean, green sources of energy.
The School collaborates with many research organisations and companies both in Australia and overseas.
For more information, please visit: www.ex.ac.uk/msel.
Media: Professor Peter J Mumby (0449811589, p.j.mumby@uq.edu.au) or Tracey Franchi, Manager – Communications, Outreach and Performance Data in the School of Biological Sciences (3365 4831, t.franchi@uq.edu.au).
