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March 2024 | View previous edition
Introducing Professor Selina Stead, AIMS CEO
As a child, my parents were set to embark on their journey to Australia when my grandfather fell ill. Fast forward to today, as I travelled from Newcastle upon Tyne with my husband and youngest of our three children to take on the role of CEO at AIMS, I can't help but reflect on the journey that led me here.
Leading the AIMS team to enhance ocean health is a tremendous honour. It's not just a professional milestone; it also enables me to fulfil a long-standing family ambition. My parents never made it to
Australia. Now, I get to call this beautiful country home. My two older children will be coming to visit soon and I’m hoping they will return - after finishing university first.
Being fortunate to benefit from 30 years of experience in academia and government, I bring a blend of skills to AIMS. My background includes juggling the challenges of marine science policy and working in research-intensive university environments. Together with my AIMS colleagues, we'll co-develop innovative ideas to enhance ocean resilience.
My firsthand experience with coral bleaching's economic and social impacts, gained when leading a research team to the Seychelles, has shaped my approach. Through this experience and later advising the Seychelles Government on Nature Positive solutions and seafood productivity, I've seen the power of robust science, governance, and open innovation in enhancing coral reef biodiversity post-bleaching. I’ve found that connecting research on species growth and habitat responses to future climate change scenarios better supports countries in their sustainable marine resource management.
Having the opportunity to apply systems thinking to tropical marine ecosystems through leading AIMS, gives me immense pride. We have a clear mission to provide research knowledge to support evidence-based decision-making for the sustainable management and protection of tropical marine ecosystems against the impacts of climate change and human activities. I am committed to steering the AIMS team towards prioritising the science required to future-proof interventions. Leveraging my interdisciplinary background alongside
the collective expertise of my AIMS colleagues, we will concentrate our efforts on aiding partners in fulfilling their environmental, social, and governance commitments towards sustainable development.
AIMS stands out for its diverse expertise, spread across different geographical locations, and the use of cutting-edge facilities like the National Sea Simulator and our research vessels. We are dedicated to providing expert knowledge and generating globally relevant research solutions, addressing the pressing issues of climate change and enhancing blue carbon processes.
I am confident that AIMS, with our exceptional team, is poised to deliver impactful science not only benefitting Australians and Australia's oceans but also co-creating solutions that
can be shared globally. Through our reputation and trusted collaborations with Indigenous partners, coastal communities, government and industry, we will strengthen ocean resilience against climate change, biodiversity loss, and future challenges.
I look forward to the exciting journey ahead with AIMS and the broader community dedicated to improving ocean health.
Images: 1. Professor Selina Stead | 2. Professor Selina Stead speaks at AIMS' Parliamentary breakfast in Canberra. Photo: Ashley St George | 3. Professor Selina Stead with Australia's inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People at a welcoming ceremony by Bindal Traditional Owners. Photo: Jo Hurford
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