Distinguished environmentalist appointed to new Parks Victoria role

Dr Mark Norman is today taking up the newly created role of Chief Conservation Scientist with Parks Victoria, engaged to conduct a review of the agency’s science and research programs and make recommendations for future directions.

The role will identify opportunities to improve the use of science and knowledge to drive innovation in Parks Victoria. Part of Dr Norman’s role will be to provide advice on the use of new and emerging technology for park management programs.

Dr Norman has 30 years’ experience in wildlife research, biodiversity surveys and science communication.

His specialty area is in marine biology but he has also worked extensively in the establishment of marine protected areas, fisheries research, bird and seal ecology, conservation programs, and running terrestrial, freshwater and marine wildlife surveys.

For the past six years, Dr Norman has been Head of Sciences at Museum Victoria, where he coordinates a large research team across a wide range of disciplines.

He has worked closely with Parks Victoria on a number of highly successful bioscan collaborations in national parks and marine protected areas across Victoria.

Announcing the appointment, Victorian Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville stated “in a rapidly changing environment, we need the best available expertise to support our park management decisions.

“Dr Norman is a scientist of considerable calibre and experience. His appointment will be a great opportunity to strengthen Parks Victoria’s position as a world class service that is adapting to climate and social change.”

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