HUGH POSSINGHAM - Mathematical ecologist
Salary range
AUD$130,000 p.a. plus superannuation (17%)
What I studied
Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry & Applied Mathematics 1983
Bachelor of Science Applied Mathematics(Honours) 1984
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Oxford University 1987
Career path
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Stanford University, USA 1987 - 1988
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Ecosystem Dynamics Group, Research School of Biological Sciences (RSBS), Australian National University (ANU) 1989
Visiting Fellow - Biological Sciences, University of New South Wales 1989
QEII Fellow in Ecosystem Dynamics Group, RSBS, ANU 1990
Lecturer in Applied Mathematics, The University of Adelaide 1991 - 1993
Senior Lecturer in Applied Mathematics, The University of Adelaide 1994 - 1995
Professor/Foundation Chair/Head - Environmental Science, The University of Adelaide 1995 - 1998
Professor & Deputy Head - Applied and Molecular Ecology, The University of Adelaide 1999 - 2000
Professor of Mathematics and Zoology - The University of Queensland 2000 - present
Director of the Ecology Centre (and Centre for Conservation Biology) - The University of Queensland 2000 - present
Hugh Possingham has a brilliant mind for mathematics and has combined this with his childhood love of nature to become a mathematical ecologist. From a Rhodes Scholarship in 1984 he became a full professor at the age of 32. His research involves seeking new ways of applying mathematical principles to ecology and solving conservation problems.
As Director of the Ecology Centre at the University of Queensland, Hugh and his group of 20 researchers work with people all over the world to solve ecological management problems, from weed management to kangaroo harvesting.
“Natural systems are inherently complex and difficult to predict. This complexity means that efficient management strategies are often uncertain and resource managers have few theories or rules on which to base their decisions. We integrate the existing theories used in statistics, economics, control theory, engineering and mathematics. We use novel methods to investigate the reliability of different management decisions that are made in the face of uncertainty. Our aim is to discover a general theory for a new branch of conservation biology: applied theoretical conservation ecology.”
“As a university professor I have a broad range of roles including teaching, administration and community service. I am a member of several government boards and committees, give many public talks, consult with industry and government and conduct research with PhD and postdoctoral students. My role also includes scientific service, for example assessing PhDs from other universities, referring scientific grants and organising workshops.
“The best aspect of my work is the variety. I also enjoy supervising PhD students and collaborating with researchers here and overseas. The job also involves 60 to 70 days per year travelling, including two to three overseas trips, usually to the USA where they recognise the value of cutting-edge Australian research in this field.”
My advice for students
“Do what you most enjoy doing – you will do well. Don’t worry about double-guessing career opportunities. Maintain your quantitative skills.”