Wildlife ecologist and geneticist, Dr Brenton von Takach, has been awarded a Prospect Fellowship by the Forrest Research Foundation to conduct research at Curtin University\u2019s School of Molecular and Life Sciences.<\/p>\n
The 18-month fellowship will allow Dr von Takach to investigate the genomic and ecological consequences of vertebrate species declines occurring worldwide as a result of habitat degradation, invasive species, land clearing and climate change, including Australia\u2019s own northern quoll and golden-backed tree-rat.<\/p>\n
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne commended Dr von Takach for being recognised by the Foundation, which supports outstanding post-doctoral researchers to carry out important projects.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearch conducted in the public sphere at universities offers a unique opportunity to advance, create and disseminate knowledge and support for that research is crucial,\u201d Professor Hayne said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis fellowship recognises Dr von Takach\u2019s excellent work in this area to-date and will allow him to acquire further data to protect threatened or declining vertebrate species.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is particularly important in Australia, which has highly unique and diverse fauna and has been exceptionally vulnerable to the effects of environmental and land-use changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr von Takach receives one of eight Prospect Fellowships awarded by The Forrest Research Foundation this year.<\/p>\n
Nicola Forrest AO said COVID-19 and the challenges of the past 12 months have had a huge impact on the Australian research community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud Forrest Research Foundation has been able to move quickly to respond to this challenge with funding through the Prospect Fellowship program,\u201d Dr Forrest AO said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very exciting to welcome these exceptional new minds to Western Australia. It is wonderful they will continue their vital work here, and further strengthen our state\u2019s growing research community\u201d.<\/p>\n
Driving research and innovation in Western Australia, the Forrest Research Foundation awards scholarships and fellowships to top-performing young intellects from around the world to conduct research across a broad range of disciplines at any of WA\u2019s five universities.<\/p>\n
The Forrest Research Foundation was established in 2014, by Andrew and Nicola Forrest through their Minderoo Foundation.<\/p>\n