Professor Hugh Possingham

Professor Hugh Possingham is a globally recognised leader in conservation science, dedicated to achieving real-world outcomes for biodiversity. He is Professor of Mathematics and Conservation Science at the University of Queensland, and has contributed to some of Australia’s most significant environmental initiatives, including the rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef and the development of practical tools for conservation planning and decision-making. Hugh is a co-creator of Marxan, a widely used decision-support tool that has helped design protected area systems around the world.

Across his career, Hugh has authored more than 780 scientific papers, supervised nearly 100 PhD students, and led over $85 million in research funding. He has held senior leadership roles including Queensland Chief Scientist and Global Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, and currently contributes to numerous boards and advisory bodies focused on biodiversity conservation. His work has been recognised through election to prestigious academies including the Royal Society and the Australian Academy of Science. At a local level, he remains actively involved in community conservation efforts in South East Queensland, reflecting his enduring commitment to protecting nature at every scale.