Professor Stuart Phinn

Professor Phinn graduated with a PhD in geography from the joint doctoral program between San Diego State University and the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1997. Since that time he has worked in a teaching and research academic positions covering remote sensing in Australia and internationally. His contribution to biophysical remote sensing is reflected through his involvement in activities to advance the profession and application of remote sensing both internationally and in Australia. In particular, his work has enabled ecosystem scientists to develop methods for using remote sensing to map and monitor specific environmental features, processes, plants or animals, and to have that information used within management activities for detecting and monitoring change in the environment.

Professor Phinn is currently Associate Science Director for Australia’s Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, a $45 million investment to improve Australia’s collection and sharing of ecosystem data. His work in TERN is focussed on establishing a network of scientists and infrastructure to collect and share long-term ecosystem data sets. This has led to a new approach to build the infrastructure and community values necessary to share long-term ecosystem science data and knowledge for the benefit of the Australian ecosystem science and management communities.