Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman
Macquarie University
Professor Michelle Leishman is an internationally recognized plant ecologist with expertise in plant invasion biology, climate change impacts and adaptation, plant conservation and urban greening. She leads a research group in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University and is Director of MQ’s Smart Green Cities Research Centre, and the Australian Harmony Centre for Ecosystem Futures.
Michelle has played a critical role in understanding and managing threats from invasive plant species and pathogens that threaten iconic ecological communities in Australia. She has worked extensively with government and industry to facilitate climate change adaptation, with much of her research being translated to effective on-ground and policy advice for practitioners, land managers and government.
She is the recipient of the NSW Royal Society 2020 Clarke Medal – Botany, the NSW Premier’s Prize for Excellence in Biological Sciences, was named as the Journal of Ecology’s 2021 Eminent Ecologist, and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. She was previously a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Director of Bush Heritage Australia and a member of the expert panel for the statutory review of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act. She is currently a member of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Advisory Panel.
"The task of shifting the current trajectory of biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse to one of nature repair is incredibly urgent and important. "The role of the Biodiversity Council is crucial in showcasing and advocating for solutions to protect and restore ecosystems and secure species long-term survival. "I’m proud to join the Council and add my voice to achieve nature repair." - Distinguished Professor Michelle Leishman
