A University of Queensland scientist working to improve sustainability in the fishing and seafood industries has been named the 2023 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year.
Associate Professor Carissa Klein, an ARC Future Fellow from UQ’s School of the Environment, leads a research group specialising in marine and coastal conservation.
“We are focused on the environmental and social implications of seafood consumption, as seafood increasingly has an important role in feeding the world’s growing population,” Dr Klein said.
“Our work includes analysing fishing and seafood trade data to improve our understanding of what seafood species we eat and where it was caught or farmed – information that is required to improve the sustainability of seafood that we eat.
“Australia loves seafood but most of our seafood comes from overseas, from countries with weak environmental regulations, which means we are eating seafood that could be an endangered species or caught illegally, by people exposed to forced labour.
“It’s so important that we are educated about what seafood we are consuming and where it comes from which will require new policies to ensure that only sustainable seafood ends up on our plates.”
Dr Klein said winning the award was an honour.
“I’m among such great company so it was thrilling to be recognised in a field of outstanding research projects,” she said.
“I look forward to continuing my work in science communication and sharing research outcomes.”
The Young Tall Poppy Awards recognise excellence in science and science communication and are considered an indicator of Australia’s future scientific leaders.
Dr Klein was among 13 finalists for the 2023 QLD Young Tall Poppy Scientist of the Year, 10 of them from The University of Queensland:
Dr Kevin Koo
Associate Professor Hongzhi Yin
The UQ winners join a national alumni network of science ambassadors who engage with students, teachers, government and the community to promote and develop Australia’s current and future science leaders.
The awards are an initiative of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) in partnership with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.
Above right: The UQ Queensland Young Tall Poppy Award winners.
