Wildlife researcher awarded Forrest Research Foundation Prospect Fellowship

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’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences.

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’s own northern quoll and golden-backed tree-rat.

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.

“Research conducted in the public sphere at universities offers a unique opportunity to advance, create and disseminate knowledge and support for that research is crucial,” Professor Hayne said.

“This fellowship recognises Dr von Takach’s excellent work in this area to-date and will allow him to acquire further data to protect threatened or declining vertebrate species.”

“This 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.”

Dr von Takach receives one of eight Prospect Fellowships awarded by The Forrest Research Foundation this year.

Nicola Forrest AO said COVID-19 and the challenges of the past 12 months have had a huge impact on the Australian research community.

“We are proud Forrest Research Foundation has been able to move quickly to respond to this challenge with funding through the Prospect Fellowship program,” Dr Forrest AO said.

“It’s 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’s growing research community”.

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’s five universities.

The Forrest Research Foundation was established in 2014, by Andrew and Nicola Forrest through their Minderoo Foundation.

Further information on the Fellowships can be found online here.