Alana Grech

I am the Head of Earth and Environmental Science at the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University. Previously I was the Assistant Director and Associate Dean Research Education of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (2017 – 2022), Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University (2013 – 2016), and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University (2010 – 2012). I am a JCU Equity Contact Officer and an elected member of JCU Council. In mid-2024, I will join the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Environmental Histories and Futures as a Chief Investigator.

My research uses conservation biogeography theory and spatial technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), geostatistics, network analysis, biophysical models and reserve design software, to inform the management of Australia's coasts. Specifically, my research develops new methodologies for cumulative impact assessment (CIA), and explores the implications of CIA in environmental decision-making, policy and practice. Most of my research is conducted in northern Australia, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, and Gulf of Carpentaria. I am an Associate Editor of Diversity and Distributions.

The transfer of research to management action and policy is my highest priority, and I actively generate partnerships to co-develop research with government and non-government agencies and communities, such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Torres Strait Regional Authority and Indigenous natural and cultural resource management agencies. I am a member of the Queensland Species Technical Committee and in 2018 I was awarded the Queensland Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year.