CitSciOz23 Keynote: Associate Professor Kathy Townsend, University of the Sunshine Coast

Keynote speech of Associate Professor Kathy Townsend, School of Science Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast
Associate Professor Kathy Townsend is a multi-award-winning researcher and a trailblazer in the field of citizen science. With a career marked by innovation, she has seamlessly integrated the perspectives of citizen scientists from the inception of her studies. At the helm of two internationally acclaimed scientific programs, “Project Manta” and “Turtles in Trouble,” Kathy has leveraged the incredible contributions of citizen scientists, catalysing transformative discoveries and shaping national and international policies for environmental conservation.
Her research transcends disciplines, confronting global-scale challenges like marine debris and pollution, and enriching our understanding of threatened marine species listed by the IUCN Red List. Her esteemed role as an invited member of the United Nations Marine Litter and Plastic Reduction Program and the GCT’s Plastic Free Galapagos initiative underscores her commitment to environmental conservation. Kathy’s work has been showcased on the world stage, featuring in iconic documentaries, including Sir David Attenborough’s “Great Barrier Reef” and Nat Geo Wild’s “Manta Mystery.” With a dedication to harnessing the power of citizen scientists, Kathy Townsend is a keynote speaker poised to inspire change at the Australian Citizen Science Association conference.
Kathy presented this keynote on Day 1 of the conference, Tuesday 21 November 2023.