Lismore coral expert awarded rare and prestigious academic honour
A Lismore coral expert, and beloved university professor, has received a distinguished and rare honour for his lifetime of achievements.
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A Lismore coral expert, and beloved university professor, has received a distinguished and rare honour from Southern Cross University.
The Distinguished Professorship – the university’s highest academic honour – acknowledges and rewards sustained, outstanding performance.
For more than 40 years, Professor Peter Harrison has been leading coral research efforts on Australia’s World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and on many reef regions around the world.
The award-winning coral reef and marine science advocate is recognised internationally as an eminent researcher, pioneer and expert in the field of coral reproduction and larval restoration.
The strong advocate for the integration of science and conservation also actively mentors the next generation of marine scientists to safeguard the reef’s future.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Mary Spongberg was the one to nominate Professor Harrison, calling him more than a “stellar researcher”.
“To receive the title, one must be distinguished in all areas of academic pursuit. Peter has been awarded a national citation for outstanding teaching and is one of Australia’s leading science communicators. A fabulous all-rounder and most deserving of the honour,” she said.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden congratulated Professor Harrison on his invaluable contribution to conservation.
“We’re proud to support his world-leading research into coral restoration,” she said.
“The success of this research not only applies to the Great Barrier Reef but to all coral reefs around the world, giving us hope for their future.”
Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison was “delighted” by the recognition and thanked his university staff and students.
“I look forward to building on the successes so far for the University and the Great Barrier Reef to ensure the legacy is enduring,” he said.
“There are a lot of new and exciting projects and important research by research students and staff in my team, and we are constantly evolving the restoration techniques to be more successful for future larger scale reef trials.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin hoped the award could “shine a spotlight on Professor Harrison’s work and career.
“Peter has achieved so much and contributed significantly over a very long period of time. He is a deeply worthy recipient of this honour, and I feel that it is a genuine privilege to be in a position to extend the offer of this appointment,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing Peter capture the essence of this appointment to build his enduring legacy to Southern Cross University and the community.”
Professor Harrison is one of the world’s leading science communicators, explaining coral ecology and the value of innovative techniques in modern marine science.
As a recognised coral expert, he has featured in more than 30 television documentaries include BBC Blue Planet Live and ABC Reef Live, and given hundreds of interviews to leading national and international media organisations over many decades.
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