University of the Sunshine Coast research assistant Olivia Herrmann has been endorsed as Australia’s nominee for a global United Nations Young Scientist Award.
The MAB Awards for early career scientists in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves offer grants to support their research on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity.
Ms Herrmann’s proposed study aims to demonstrate how to best operate the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve in an accessible, easy-to-understand way.
“If my nomination is successful, this study will identify the range of opportunities to help the Sunshine Coast community embrace what it means to live, work, explore and learn in the Biosphere Reserve,” she said.
“It is hoped this will in turn provide a framework that can be used in other biosphere reserves in Australia and across the world,” she said.
UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve program promotes management, research and education in ecosystem conservation, including the sustainable use of natural resources. Its MAB Awards invest in a new generation of young scientists worldwide, with committed young people seen as key to addressing ecological and sustainability issues.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett said Ms Herrmann’s nomination helped to showcase the region’s biosphere reserves to a worldwide audience.
“Being named Australia’s nominee for this prestigious UN science award is an impressive achievement. Olivia’s work is contributing to UniSC teaching, research and community partnerships that align with the aims of UNECSCO’s Biosphere Reserve network,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Protecting wildlife, habitats and the environment and building sustainable communities are key goals for UniSC, as the world’s only university operating within three interconnecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves,” she said.
Sunshine Coast Biosphere Advisory Group Chair Anna Owen and Sunshine Coast Grammar School Principal Anna Owen said the nomination highlighted the critical role of education and research in the region’s future.
“Our Biosphere is more than a place – it’s a living classroom,” she said.
“Through education and research, we equip the next generation with the tools and vision to lead sustainable change, champion innovation, and continue the stewardship of our coastal and hinterland environments.
"The international recognition shines a global spotlight on the Sunshine Coast and signals to the world that we are serious about sustainable living.
“Olivia’s endorsement is an exciting step forward. She exemplifies the intergenerational leadership we need to shape a sustainable future. Her research will help make the concept of the Biosphere more accessible and meaningful to our broader community.”
Ms Herrmann is a research Assistant for UniSC’s Bioclimatic and Sociotechnical Cities (BASC) Lab and the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, and Research Coordinator at local urban placemaking design and delivery company POMO.
Her study proposes to build on an earlier collaboration with Associate Professor Nick Stevens through the BASC lab on a recent project, Establishing a Systems Understanding of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council.
“That research project identified the stakeholders who have a role to play in the success of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve and the values, activities and processes required to deliver on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Ms Herrmann said.
“Those findings were based at a local government level, while the proposed study would build on these outcomes and apply them to a neighbourhood context.
“It would also seek to include locations that strongly represent First Nations ownership and culture, as well as places reflective of our unique geography—such as the Sunshine Coast hinterland and more urban coastal neighbourhoods.”
Ms Herrmann’s keen interest in research was sparked during internships through UniSC’s BASC Lab and the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, during her undergraduate studies in Urban Design and Town Planning.
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