University of Melbourne researchers elected Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science

Faculty of Science academics Professor Michael Kearney and Professor Madeleine van Oppen have been elected as Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science for outstanding contributions to science.

An ecologist in the School of BioSciences, Professor Kearney is renowned for his transformative work in forecasting how biodiversity responds to changing environments. He developed a pioneering physics-based modelling approach that combines biological data, such as an animal’s sensitivity to temperature, with geographical data to predict the limits of survival.

The new approach enables researchers to accurately predict and manage species extinction risks and pest responses, particularly in the face of new climates.

Professor Kearney’s work has transformed biodiversity forecasting on a global scale, delivering significant benefits to fundamental and applied biology, agricultural research and conversation science.

“It means a great deal to have my work recognised by such an esteemed and diverse group of scientists,” Professor Kearney said.

“To solve our ecological and environmental problems we need more interdisciplinary work bridging physical and ecological approaches. I thank the Academy for supporting and promoting research in this area.”

Professor van Oppen, based in both the University of Melbourne’s School of BioSciences and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, is an ecological geneticist and expert in microbial symbiosis and climate change adaptation of reef corals. Her fundamental research has revealed several mechanisms by which corals adapt or acclimatise to environmental change, including those mediated by their microbial symbionts.

Building on these discoveries, Professor van Oppen developed a platform of innovative assisted evolution technologies that harness the natural adaptive mechanisms to enhance coral climate resilience. These technologies have become a critical element of coral reef restoration research in Australia and overseas.

University of Melbourne Dean of Science Professor Moira O’Bryan congratulated Professor Kearney and Professor van Oppen on their outstanding achievements.

“Professor Kearney and Professor van Oppen are dedicated to tackling practical biodiversity and climate change problems with innovative and nuanced research methods, and I am thrilled their scientific achievements and impact are being recognised. These prestigious fellowships are a testament to their pioneering research,” Professor O’Bryan said.

Professor Kearney and Professor van Oppen are among 24 of the nation’s most distinguished scientists elected as Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science in 2024.

Established 70 years ago, the Australian Academy of Science is a Fellowship of more than 600 of Australia’s top scientists, elected by their peers for outstanding research that has pushed back the frontiers of knowledge. The Academy provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science, and champions, celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science.