UQ mathematicians are Queensland’s latest tool to increase the sustainability and profitability of its fisheries and resources.
In a new partnership, the Queensland Government and The University of Queensland will use mathematical theories and tools to better manage the state’s fisheries and natural resources.
The Centre for Applications in Resource Management (CARM), based in the School of Mathematics and Physics, will help position Queensland among the international leaders in the field of applied resource management and mathematics.
Dr You-Gan Wang has been appointed to lead the Centre's research activities.
“We hope the new centre will be a hub for young people to develop skills in qualitative numeracy and modeling that can be applied to real world environments such as the fisheries sector,” Dr Wang said.
“Many people don't think of mathematics when we talk about natural resources, but it is an area which we increasingly believe holds the answers to improved profitability and sustainability of Queensland natural resources.
"Currently there is a shortage of skills that link pure maths to real life situations and we believe this new Centre will help address that."
Warwick Nash, Science Leader of Fisheries and Aquaculture within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), said the appointment of Dr You-Gan Wang was an exciting step forward for fisheries research and would help advance the area of applied resource mathematics.
The new centre will focus on the development and application of generic mathematical and statistical theory and tools that will support management within the disciplines of fisheries, forestry, water security, conservation, pest and disease management, and adaptation to global change.
“Bringing together a team of people with qualitative skills required in natural resource management puts us in a position to collaborate on a range of research grants where stock assessment and related knowledge is needed,” Dr Wang said.
Students will be able to undertake courses in the future in fish stock assessment, qualitative numeracy and modeling, stock and resource management strategies, and evaluations.
Dr You Gan-Wang previously held positions as senior science leader in mathematical sciences at CSIRO, and a faculty member at Harvard University and the National University of Singapore.
The Centre has close links with DEEDI, CSIRO, and Queensland Fisheries.
The Centre is currently seeking applications for two lecturers, a Post-Doctoral position, and PhD Students interested in natural resource management.
For more information contact Dr You-Gan Wang (yougan.wang@uq.edu.au or (07) 3365 2311) or Lynelle Ross (Communications Officer Lynelle.ross@uq.edu.au or (07) 3346 9935)
