Multidisciplinary and holistic approaches theme areas of focus are:
- Integration of indigenous cultural knowledge, science, education, social sciences, law, planning, and creative industries.
- The intersection between art, science and technology, and how art and design can be used as tools to help shape the future. Seeking new approaches for engagement and action, which can enhance and expand scientific research and conservation.
- Sustainable land management, community engagement, and policy development.
- Citizen science and ecological monitoring initiatives.
K’gari research at UniSC is grounded in collaboration across disciplines and knowledge systems. Researchers integrate Indigenous cultural knowledge with science, education, social sciences, law, planning, and creative industries to build a deeper understanding of Country.
Creative practitioners and technologists explore the intersection of art, science, and design, using ecoacoustics, immersive media, and storytelling to communicate environmental change and inspire action. These approaches complement scientific research and strengthen conservation outcomes.
Sustainable land management, community engagement, and policy development are central to this work, with researchers contributing to fire management, cultural burning, heritage protection and sustainable tourism. Citizen science initiatives support long‑term ecological monitoring and empower communities to participate in caring for K’gari.
Dr Kim Walker – Cluster lead, Co-ordinator, K’gari Research Station
A/Prof Nick Stevens – Law and Society
Dr Leah Barclay – Business and Creative Industries (ecoacoustics, immersive media)
Dr Vikki Schaffer – Business and Creative Industries (tourism, engagement)
A/Prof Alex Pelizzon – Law and Society (Indigenous governance, legal pluralism)
Dr Clare Archer‑Lean – Business and Creative Industries (cultural narratives, creative practice)
Brendon Munge – Education and Tertiary Access
Robyn Fox – Education and Tertiary Access
Dr Glyn Thomas – Education and Tertiary Access
Dr Theresa Ashford – Law and Society
Dr Stefanie Fishel – Law and Society (environmental governance)
A/Prof Grahame Appelgate – Tropical Forests and People (forest governance)
Dr Alexandra Catling – ropical Forests and People
External
Prof Ian McNiven (Monash) – Indigenous archaeology
Prof Peter Corcoran (Florida Gulf Coast University/UniSC Adjunct) – Environmental education
Prof Jamie Shulmeister (Canterbury) – Interdisciplinary environmental change
HDR Students
Jade Gould (UniSC)
Aunty Veronica Bird – General Manger, Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC)
Dr Linda Behrendorff – Head Ranger, K’gari, QPWS
Dr Samantha Young – Senior Program Officer, Wongari, QPWS
Alex Riddington –Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI)
Sue Sargent – Chair, Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance for K’gari (FINIA)
Peter Shooter – ex Chair, Fraser Island Defenders Organisation – the Watchdog of K’gari (FIDO)