Emeritus Professor
Citation delivered by Professor Sean Brawley Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Planning) at the University of Wollongong on the occasion of the admission of Andrew R. Davis as an Emeritus Professor of the University on 2 November 2022.
Chancellor, I present Professor Andrew Davis.
In a research and teaching career at UOW spanning more than three decades, Andrew Davis has greatly contributed to the University’s vision to inspire a better future through education, research and partnership.
Andy is internationally renowned for his significant and sustained contribution to the vast field of marine ecology and management. His innovative cross-disciplinary research focuses on the effect of human activities on marine ecosystems, particularly climate change, contamination, anchoring and the impacts of invasive species, and spans an impressively broad spectrum. He was a pioneer in the research use of multifactorial design to investigate synergistic effects of climate change stressors on invertebrate larvae.
Through extensive collaborations within academia, government and industry and his dedication to applied research, Andy has profoundly influenced marine park design and policy in Australia and beyond. He was awarded the UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Partnership and Impact in 2018 and the UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research Supervision in 2020. A prodigious and highly cited publisher, Andy attracted significant funding for the breadth and quality of his research.
Andy’s impact is infinitely amplified by his commitment to advancing the next generation of researchers. He was instrumental in expanding the School of Biological Science’s research capacity and establishing UOW as a leader in ecology and marine ecology education in Australia. Andy has inspired countless early career researchers, honours students and undergraduates as a supervisor, mentor, subject coordinator and lecturer, launching and impacting the careers of many who have gone on to positions of significant impact and influence.
Though retiring in 2020, Andy remains an Honorary Professor of UOW, continuing research collaborations with key external partners including the NSW Department of Industry, NSW Department of Planning and Environment, ANSTO, ANCORS and Local Land Services NSW. He continues to run a productive and innovative research group comprised of five PhD students.
Chancellor, Professor Andrew Davis has rightly earned a global reputation for innovation, outstanding academic and educational achievement, and passionate pursuit of transformative outcomes for our environment and the life it sustains. His exceptional contributions to teaching and research at UOW through more than three decades is recognised with this award.
It is a privilege to present Professor Andrew Davis to be admitted as an Emeritus Professor of the University of Wollongong.