New marine science leader appointed to Western Australia

The nation’s tropical marine research agency, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), announced the appointment of Dr Karen Miller as Research Program Director in Western Australia.

Dr Miller, who has been acting in the role since December 2019, also leads AIMS’ Perth facility at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre in Crawley.

She will strengthen and diversify relationships with industry, regulators, and research partners to deliver science impact across the economic, social and environmental domains and continue AIMS’ close collaboration with industry partners to identify relevant knowledge gaps in marine ecosystems.

Prior to her appointment Dr Miller was a Principal Research Scientist at AIMS and the Team Leader for the agency’s Ecological and Biological Monitoring in WA.

AIMS Chief Executive Officer Dr Paul Hardisty congratulated Dr Miller on her appointment and her commitment to marine science excellence.

“The search for a science leader in WA was both very extensive and highly competitive and I am pleased that Karen’s appointment reflects the depth of internal leadership talent within AIMS.

“Karen is a proven and engaging leader who nine months ago stepped forward to guide AIMS’ west coast operations through an interim transition. In confirming this appointment, AIMS in Western Australia will continue to provide the research and knowledge necessary to support the sustainable economic growth of marine ecosystems in WA’s north-west,” he said.

Dr Miller began her scientific career studying coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef and has since worked throughout Australia, as well as in Antarctica. She started at AIMS as a Senior Research Scientist in 2014.

Her most recent research focuses was on understanding the patterns and processes driving the distribution of benthic biodiversity across Australia's North West Shelf. She holds a PhD from James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland.

Dr Miller said that AIMS has worked closely with industries in north-western Australia for decades to provide the scientific knowledge and data to ensure sustainable development in the region. 

“Marine based industries are paramount to WA’s economy – they create jobs and increase national prosperity and I am excited about the opportunity to lead AIMS WA Science to ensure future generations can continue to benefit from our oceans,” she said.

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