Robinson, Sharon A.

Top Publications

Year	Title
2017	Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being Published in Science
2017	Unmanned aircraft system advances health mapping of fragile polar vegetation Published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution
2015	Not just about sunburn – the ozone hole's profound effect on climate has significant implications for Southern Hemisphere ecosystems Published in Global Change Biology
2014	Antarctic climate change and the environment: an update Published in Polar Record
2014	Solar ultraviolet radiation in a changing climate Published in Nature Climate Change
2014	The spatial structure of Antarctic biodiversity Published in Ecological Monographs
2012	Radiocarbon bomb spike reveals biological effects of Antarctic climate change Published in Global Change Biology

Research Areas

Research Overview

Sharon Robinson researches how Antarctic plants respond to climate change. She uses radiocarbon signatures, left behind in the atmosphere by nuclear testing, to date mosses and track environmental change around the coast of Antarctica. Her group identifies the sunscreens plants make to protect themselves from elevated UV-B radiation due to ozone depletion. She is also applying new technologies, including the use of drones in Antarctica, to monitor plant health and productivity, and developing novel sensors that will help to track crop and forest health in future.

Sharon was educated in the UK. After completing her PhD at University College London in 1990, she held postdoc positions in the USA and Australia. She is currently a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Environmental Effects Assessment Panel,onboard Science Faculty for the Homeward Bound 2019 Women’s leadership Program and a former member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. She first visited East Antarctica in 1996 and has been on 12 expeditions to continental Antarctic and sub- and maritime Antarctic islands with the Australian and Chilean Antarctic programs. She is a custodian for the only Antarctic State of the Environment Indicator concerned with Antarctic vegetation and is passionate about conserving Antarctic biodiversity. She was formerly UOWs Associate Dean Graduate Research and is currently Challenge Leader for the Sustaining Coastal and Marine Zones within the Global Challenges Program.

Geographic Focus

Antarctica Geographic Region
Australia County

Member Of

Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions Co-Director 2015 -

Has Collaborator

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2018	Antarctica’s ‘moss forests’ are drying and dying Published In The Conversation Volume 25 September Pages 1 - 3
2018	Assessment of Antarctic moss health from multi-sensor UAS imagery with Random Forest Modelling Published In International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation Volume 68 Pages 168 - 179 Altmetric
2018	Environmental effects of ozone depletion, UV radiation and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, update 2017 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 17 Pages 127 - 127 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2018	Extending Fluspect to simulate xanthophyll driven leaf reflectance dynamics Published In Remote Sensing of Environment: an interdisciplinary journal Volume 211 Pages 345 - 356 ISSN 0034-4257 Altmetric
2018	Rapid change in East Antarctic terrestrial vegetation in response to regional drying Published In Nature Climate Change Volume Online First Pages 1 - 8 ISSN 1758-678X Altmetric
2018	Stress in native grasses under ecologically relevant heat waves Published In PLoS One Volume 13 Pages e0204906-1 - e0204906-16 ISSN 1932-6203 Altmetric
2017	Antarctic moss biflavonoids show high antioxidant and ultraviolet-screening activity Published In Journal of Natural Products Volume 80 Pages 2224 - 2231 ISSN 0163-3864 Altmetric
2017	Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being Published In Science Volume 355 Pages 1 - 9 ISSN 0036-8075 Altmetric
2017	Do daily and seasonal trends in leaf solar induced fluorescence reflect changes in photosynthesis, growth or light exposure? Published In Remote Sensing Volume 9 Pages 1 - 19 ISSN 2072-4292 Altmetric
2017	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2016 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 16 Pages 107 - 145 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2017	Facilitation, competition and parasitic facilitation amongst invasive and native liana seedlings and a native tree seedling Published In NeoBiota Volume 36 Pages 17 - 38 ISSN 1314-2488 Altmetric
2017	Invasive alien lianas have similar allometry to native lianas in temperate forests Published In Biological Invasions Volume 19 Pages 1029 - 1037 ISSN 1387-3547 Altmetric
2017	Moving beyond presence and absence when examining changes in species distributions Published In Global Change Biology Volume 23 Pages 2929 - 2940 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2017	Relative functional and optical absorption cross-sections of PSII and other photosynthetic parameters monitored in situ, at a distance with a time resolution of a few seconds, using a prototype light induced fluorescence transient (LIFT) device Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 44 Pages 985 - 1006 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2017	Remote monitoring of dynamic canopy photosynthesis with high time resolution light-induced fluorescence transients Published In Tree Physiology: an international botanical journal Volume Online First Pages 1 - 17 ISSN 1758-4469 Altmetric
2017	Thermotolerance capacities of native and exotic coastal plants will lead to changes in species composition under increased heat waves Published In Conservation Physiology Volume 5 Pages 1 - 10 Altmetric
2017	Unmanned aircraft system advances health mapping of fragile polar vegetation Published In Methods in Ecology and Evolution Volume Online First Pages 1 - 16 ISSN 2041-210X Altmetric
2016	Bayesian methods for comparing species physiological and ecological response curves Published In Ecological Informatics Volume 34 Pages 35 - 43 ISSN 1574-9541 Altmetric
2016	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2015 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 15 Pages 141 - 174 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2016	Moss δ13C: implications for subantarctic palaeohydrological reconstructions Published In Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology Volume 453 Pages 20 - 29 ISSN 0031-0182 Altmetric
2015	Antarctic moss stress assessment based on chlorophyll content and leaf density retrieved from imaging spectroscopy data Published In New Phytologist Volume 208 Pages 608 - 624 ISSN 0028-646X Altmetric
2015	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: 2014 assessment Executive summary Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 14 Pages 14 - 18 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2015	Impact of hydrocarbons from a diesel fuel on the germination and early growth of subantarctic plants Published In Environmental Science Processes and Impacts Volume 17 Pages 1238 - 1248 ISSN 1464-0325 Altmetric
2015	Moss δ13C: an accurate proxy for past water environments in polar regions Published In Global Change Biology Volume 21 Pages 2454 - 2464 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2015	Native hemiparasite and light effects on photoprotection and photodamage in a native host Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 42 Pages 1168 - 1178 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2015	Not just about sunburn – the ozone hole's profound effect on climate has significant implications for Southern Hemisphere ecosystems Published In Global Change Biology Volume 21 Pages 515 - 527 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2015	Solar ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion-driven climate change: effects on terrestrial ecosystems Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 14 Pages 88 - 107 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2015	Toxicity of fuel-contaminated soil to antarctic moss and terrestrial algae Published In Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Volume 34 Pages 2004 - 2012 ISSN 0730-7268 Altmetric
2014	Alien grass disrupts reproduction and post-settlement recruitment of co-occurring native vegetation: a mechanism for diversity decline in invaded forest? Published In Plant Ecology Volume 215 Pages 567 - 580 ISSN 1385-0237 Altmetric
2014	Antarctic climate change and the environment: an update Published In Polar Record Volume 50 Pages 237 - 259 ISSN 0032-2474 Altmetric
2014	Dominating the Antarctic environment: bryophytes in a time of change Published In Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration Volume 37 Pages 309 - 324 Altmetric
2014	Phytoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants in subantarctic soils: an effective management option Published In Journal of Environmental Management Volume 142 Pages 60 - 69 ISSN 1095-8630 Altmetric
2014	Solar ultraviolet radiation in a changing climate Published In Nature Climate Change Volume 4 Pages 434 - 441 ISSN 1758-678X Altmetric
2014	Spatial co-registration of ultra-high resolution visible, multispectral and thermal images acquired with a micro-UAV over Antarctic moss beds Published In Remote Sensing Volume 6 Pages 4003 - 4024 ISSN 2072-4292 Altmetric
2014	Sunsafe bryophytes: photoprotection from excess and damaging solar radiation Published In Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration Volume 37 Pages 113 - 130 Altmetric
2014	The ozone hole leaves a lasting impression on southern climate Published In The Conversation Pages 1 - 3
2014	The spatial structure of Antarctic biodiversity Published In Ecological Monographs Volume 84 Pages 203 - 244 ISSN 0012-9615 Altmetric
2014	Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture micro-topography of Antarctic moss beds Published In International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation Volume 27 Pages 53 - 62 ISSN 1569-8432 Altmetric
2013	Genome of the long-living sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Published In Genome Biology Volume 14 Pages R41-1 - R41-11 ISSN 1474-7596 Altmetric
2013	Integrating transient heterogeneity of non-photochemical quenching in shade-grown heterobaric leaves of avocado (Persea americana L.): responses to CO2 concentration, stomatal occlusion, dehydration and relative humidity Published In Plant and Cell Physiology Volume 54 Pages 1852 - 1866 ISSN 0032-0781 Altmetric
2012	Bryophyte species composition over moisture gradients in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica: development of a baseline for monitoring climate change impacts Published In Biodiversity Volume 13 Pages 257 - 264 ISSN 1488-8386 Altmetric
2012	Canopy conundrums: building on the Biosphere 2 experience to scale measurements of inner and outer canopy photoprotection from the leaf to the landscape Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 39 Pages 1 - 24 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2012	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2011 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 11 Pages 13 - 27 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2012	From ecophysiology to phenomics: some implications of photoprotection and shade-sun acclimation in situ for dynamics of thylakoids in vitro Published In Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Volume 367 Pages 3503 - 3514 ISSN 0962-8436 Altmetric
2012	Radiocarbon bomb spike reveals biological effects of Antarctic climate change Published In Global Change Biology Volume 18 Pages 301 - 310 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2012	Radiocarbon bomb spike reveals biological effects of Antarctic climate change (Erratum) Published In Global Change Biology Volume 18 Pages 1196 - 1196 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2011	Effects of solar ultraviolet radiation on terrestrial ecosystems. Patterns, mechanisms, and interactions with climate change Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 10 Pages 226 - 241 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2011	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: 2010 assessment Executive Summary Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 10 Pages 178 - 181 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2011	Grapevine leaf pigment response to root infestation by phylloxera Published In Acta Horticulturae Volume 904 Pages 93 - 99 ISSN 0567-7572
2011	In the heat of the night – alternative pathway respiration drives thermogenesis in Philodendron bipinnatifidum Published In New Phytologist Volume 189 Pages 1013 - 1026 ISSN 0028-646X Altmetric
2010	Aerial ‘OktoKopter’ to map Antarctic moss Published In Australian Antarctic Magazine Pages 1 - 3
2010	Distribution of thermogenic activity in floral tissues of Nelumbo nucifera Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 37 Pages 1085 - 1095 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2009	Accumulation of DNA damage in Antarctic mosses: correlations with ultraviolet-B radiation, temperature and turf water content vary among species Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 319 - 329 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Antarctic climate change and the environment Published In Antarctic Science Volume 21 Pages 541 - 563 ISSN 0954-1020 Altmetric
2009	Desiccation protects two Antarctic mosses from ultraviolet-B induced DNA damage Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 36 Pages 214 - 221 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2009	Functional transition in the floral receptacle of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): from thermogenesis to photosynthesis Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 36 Pages 471 - 480 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2009	Genetic structure of East Antarctic populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus Published In Antarctic Science Volume 21 Pages 51 - 58 ISSN 0954-1020 Altmetric
2009	Introduction: Climate change biology at the ends of the Earth-International Polar year special issue Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 1615 - 1617 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Introduction: future fire activity and climate change Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 533 - 534 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Responses of plants in polar regions to UVB exposure: a meta-analysis Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 2574 - 2589 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Two cys or not two Cys? That is the question; alternative oxidase in the thermogenic plant sacred lotus Published In Plant Physiology Volume 150 Pages 987 - 995 ISSN 0032-0889 Altmetric
2008	Cell wall-bound ultraviolet-screening compounds explain the high ultraviolet tolerance of the Antarctic moss, Ceratodon purpureus Published In New Phytologist Volume 179 Pages 776 - 783 ISSN 0028-646X Altmetric
2008	Mechanisms of thermoregulation in plants Published In Plant Signaling and Behavior Volume 3 Pages 595 - 597 ISSN 1559-2316 Altmetric

2008	Synchronicity of thermogenic activity, alternative pathway respiratory flux, AOX protein content and carbohydrates in receptacle tissues of sacred lotus during floral development Published In Journal of Experimental Botany Volume 59 Pages 705 - 714 ISSN 0022-0957 Altmetric
2008	Understanding the tolerance of Antarctic mosses to climate change Published In Australian Antarctic magazine Pages 26 - 27
2007	Preliminary investigations of pigment responses to phylloxera infestation Published In Acta Horticulturae Volume 733 Pages 123 - 133 ISSN 0567-7572

Chapter

Year	Title
2011	Experimental Methods Published In Hyperspectral Studies of Seagrasses Publisher Germany: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing Pages 52 - 79
2011	Spatial and Temporal Variation in the Spectral Reflectance of Seagrass Published In Hyperspectral studies in seagrasses Publisher Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing Pages 81 - 158
2011	Spectral and Physiological Response of Eelgrass to Light Stress Published In Hyperspectral studies of seagrasses Publisher Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing Pages 161 - 251
2009	The instrumental period Published In Antarctic climate change and the environment Publisher Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK: Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Pages 183 - 298

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2013	Investigation of Antarctic moss beds using high spatial resolution imaging spectroscopy Published In Strategic Science in Antarctica: a Joint Australian and New Zealand Conference - Conference Abstracts Pages 2 - 2
2013	Monitoring of Antarctic moss ecosystems using a high spatial resolution imaging spectroscopy Published In EGU General Assembly 2013 Pages 1 - 1
2013	Unmanned aerial optical systems for spatial monitoring of Antarctic mosses Published In EGU General Assembly 2013 Pages 1 - 1
2013	Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture micro-topography of Antarctic moss beds Published In Strategic Science in Antarctica: a Joint Australian and New Zealand Conference - Conference Abstracts Pages 4 - 4
2012	Using a micro-UAV for ultra-high resolution multi-sensor observations of Antarctic moss beds Published In International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XXXIX-B1 Pages 429 - 433 Altmetric
2011	Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing for hyperspatial terrain mapping of Antarctic moss beds based on structure from motion (SfM) point clouds Published In 34th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment
2010	Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for ultra-high resolution Published In 15th Australasian Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Conference Pages 1 - 12

Investigator On

Year	Title
2018 - 2020	How isolated is Antarctica? Assessing past and present plant colonisations Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects
2018 - 2019	Sensor calibration facility for spectral and thermal remote sensing Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
2017	A silver spoon start to life for the critically endangered corroboree frog Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Projects
2017	Adaptive responses of Antarctic mosses to climate change Awarded by: Chilean Antarctic Institute (Instituto Antártico Chileno/INACH) Funding Scheme: Grant
2017	High resolution of moss growth in a rapidly changing Antarctic environment Awarded by: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Funding Scheme: ANSTO Research Portal
2012 - 2017	Modelling spatial patterns and identifying environmental drivers for temporal change in Antarctic moss communities Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Australian Antarctic Science Program
2016	CTM2014-53902-C2-1-P mechanistic basis for this trade-off between photosynthesis and stress tolerance: filling gaps for evolutionary biology and plant biotechnology (TOPSTEP) Awarded by: Spanish Government Ministery of Economy and Competitiveness Funding Scheme: Grant
2014	AirLIFT - an airborne active chlorophyll florescence sensing system for assessment of photosynthetic activity in plant canopies Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects
2014	Towards a large-scale Antarctic Nearshore and Terrestrial Observiing System (ANTOS): etc Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Australian Antarctic Science Program
2011 - 2014	Mapping Antarctic climate change in space and time using mosses as biological proxies Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects
2012	Stable isotope analysis of environmental and physiological samples Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
2011	The weight of the vine: impacts of vine infestations on plant health Awarded by: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Funding Scheme: National Weeds and Productivity Program
2009 - 2010	Monitoring climate change induced desertification of Antarctica using stable isotopic signatures Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2009	Characterising heat production in plants: mechanisms and its role in pollination Awarded by: Hermon Slade Foundation Funding Scheme: Grant
2009	Climate change and carbon gain in antarctic mosses Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2009	Spatial analysis of changing terrestial ecosystems in the Windmill Islands and the sub-Antarctic Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2008	Understanding the tolerance of Antarctic mosses to climate change Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2007	Antarctic State of the Environment, Indicator 72: How is the Windmill Islandsâ¬" terrestrial vegetation responding to climate change? Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2007	Flora and Fauna Research Facility Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
2007	Satellite imagery for change detection in the sub-antarctic using Heard Island as a proof of concept Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant

Impact Story

Monitoring Antarctic Ecosystems, climate change and other human impacts
Summary
Under The Antarctic Treaty, Australia and other nations which operate in Antarctica have a responsibility to conserve and protect Antarctica’s unique environment. Through the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, adopted in 1991, the Contracting Parties “commit themselves to the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems”. Research undertaken by the University of Wollongong over more than 20 years has had a significant and wide-reaching impact on Australia's environmental, economic, legal and political responsibilities and leadership role in Antarctica. Monitoring and management: UOW research outcomes have informed Antarctic Environmental Managers on the health of Antarctic terrestrial and near shore ecosystems, highlighting which species may be at risk from climate change or disturbance from Antarctic station activities. I have provided expert advice to AAD Environmental Managers on proposed activities around Antarctic stations and contributed to development of Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) management plans. While our research has had most application to the Australian Antarctic Territories, methodologies developed have increasingly been of interest to environmental managers from other nations, as we are considered to be developing best practice in this area. As a result, in 2016 I was invited to join the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observing System (ANTOS) Expert Group and to develop an East Antarctic ANTOS node. UOW researchers Robinson and then HDR student Jane Wasley were invited by Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) Environmental Managers to develop a State of the Environment (SOE) Indicator for Antarctic terrestrial vegetation dynamics. Robinson's group had earlier established the first long-term monitoring sites near the Australian Antarctic Casey Station in 2003, from an initial pilot [1-2]. Robinson, Wasley and Dr Catherine King (AAD) went on to develop, and are the current custodians of, SOE Indicator 72 [3] with UOW the responsible organisation. This is currently the only long-term monitoring system in place for Antarctic terrestrial vegetation on the continent, and informs both the Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Area 135 as well as the Antarctic Assessment in Australia’s SOE Reports 2011 and 2016 [4-5]. The project was presented as a case study in the 2011 SOE report and is acknowledged in the 2016 report for contributing valuable data to help fulfill Australia’s national reporting requirements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act. Furthermore, this project contributes to Australia’s international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty System as it delivers robust data on environmental change on one of Australia’s Antarctic Specially Protected Areas”. As such this work is vital for the continued conservation of terrestrial values. 

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UOW Researchers / Collaborators
TEDx The extraordinary Antarctic plants with superhero powers
Summary
In 2016 I gave a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4PsZlTGedU" title="YouTube: Antarctic Plants In A Time Of Change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TEDX Antarctic plants in a time of change</a>. In 2017, this was featured in a story on <a href="https://ideas.ted.com/the-extraordinary-antarctic-plants-with-superhero-powers/" title="Featured Story: Extraordinary Antarctic Plants with Superhero Powers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ideas.ted.com.</a>

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Detail View Summary View
Field of Research
Countries / Regions
Beneficiaries

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External Partners
Evidence of Impact

Evidence Description
UOW Centres / Programs
UOW Researchers / Collaborators

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	Linking spectral signals with novel photosynthetic parameters from the leaf to the canopy	Wyber, Rhys
Doctor of Philosophy	Microhabitat, microclimate and multi-stress response as drivers of urban biodiversity using moss as a model taxa	Haynes, Alison
Doctor of Philosophy	Remote techniques for determining carbon sequestration and storage by mangrove.	Braga Salum De Abreu, Maria Rafaela
Doctor of Philosophy	A novel high-resolution model of moss-bed microclimate in maritime Antarctica: importance of understanding microclimate for understanding species distributions	Randall, Krystal
Master of Research -SMAH	The potential use of ultraviolet-absorbing compounds for reconstructing past climate in antarctic mosses	Egawa, Ayako
Doctor of Philosophy	A helping hand: understanding the role of facilitation as a contributor to survivability of urban plants	Aguiar, Axton

Professional Service Activities

SCAR Antarctic Near shore and Terrestrial Observing System (ANTOS) Expert Group Member 2017 -
University of Wollongong Global Challenges Program Review Panel Member 2017 -
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Effects Assessment Panel Member 2009 -
Global Change Biology Editor 2005 -
Homeward Bound Onboard Science Faculty 2018 - 2019
University of Wollongong Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) Engagement and Impact Cluster Chair 2017 - 2018
Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts 2013 - 2017

Education And Training

Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry, University College of London (UCL) , Botany, Nitrogen metabolism in carrot cell suspension cultures 1987 - 1990
King's College London, Science Education 1985 - 1986
B Science (Hon) in Botany and Genetics, University College of London (UCL) , Botany 1980 - 1983

Awards And Honors

Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement in Research Partnership and Impact Award, conferred by Vice Chancellor University of Wollongong, 2018
2017 Peer Prize for Women, Earth, Environment and Space., conferred by Thinkable and The Sun Foundation Australia, 2017
2nd prize Competition 1, conferred by Chlorotube , 2010
1st prize Competition 3, conferred by Chlorotube, 2009
Teaching Award, conferred by Australian Society of Plant Scientists, 2002
Outstanding contribution to Higher Education Award, conferred by Australian College of Education (Illawarra Branch), 2001
Irene Manton Prize, conferred by Linnean Society of London, 1991

Full Name

Professor Sharon A. Robinson

Mailing Address

School of Biological Sciences

University of Wollongong

NSW

2522

Australia

Located In Facility

Science, Medicine and Health (SMAH)

Fax

+61 2 4221 4135

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7130-9617 (confirmed)

Web Of Science Researcher Id

B-2683-2008

Scopus Id

7402674597

Top Publications

Year	Title
2017	Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being Published in Science
2017	Unmanned aircraft system advances health mapping of fragile polar vegetation Published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution
2015	Not just about sunburn – the ozone hole's profound effect on climate has significant implications for Southern Hemisphere ecosystems Published in Global Change Biology
2014	Antarctic climate change and the environment: an update Published in Polar Record
2014	Solar ultraviolet radiation in a changing climate Published in Nature Climate Change
2014	The spatial structure of Antarctic biodiversity Published in Ecological Monographs
2012	Radiocarbon bomb spike reveals biological effects of Antarctic climate change Published in Global Change Biology

Research Areas

Research Overview

Sharon Robinson researches how Antarctic plants respond to climate change. She uses radiocarbon signatures, left behind in the atmosphere by nuclear testing, to date mosses and track environmental change around the coast of Antarctica. Her group identifies the sunscreens plants make to protect themselves from elevated UV-B radiation due to ozone depletion. She is also applying new technologies, including the use of drones in Antarctica, to monitor plant health and productivity, and developing novel sensors that will help to track crop and forest health in future.

Sharon was educated in the UK. After completing her PhD at University College London in 1990, she held postdoc positions in the USA and Australia. She is currently a member of the United Nations Environment Programme Environmental Effects Assessment Panel,onboard Science Faculty for the Homeward Bound 2019 Women’s leadership Program and a former member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. She first visited East Antarctica in 1996 and has been on 12 expeditions to continental Antarctic and sub- and maritime Antarctic islands with the Australian and Chilean Antarctic programs. She is a custodian for the only Antarctic State of the Environment Indicator concerned with Antarctic vegetation and is passionate about conserving Antarctic biodiversity. She was formerly UOWs Associate Dean Graduate Research and is currently Challenge Leader for the Sustaining Coastal and Marine Zones within the Global Challenges Program.

Geographic Focus

Antarctica Geographic Region
Australia County

Member Of

Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions Co-Director 2015 -

Has Collaborator

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2018	Antarctica’s ‘moss forests’ are drying and dying Published In The Conversation Volume 25 September Pages 1 - 3
2018	Assessment of Antarctic moss health from multi-sensor UAS imagery with Random Forest Modelling Published In International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation Volume 68 Pages 168 - 179 Altmetric
2018	Environmental effects of ozone depletion, UV radiation and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, update 2017 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 17 Pages 127 - 127 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2018	Extending Fluspect to simulate xanthophyll driven leaf reflectance dynamics Published In Remote Sensing of Environment: an interdisciplinary journal Volume 211 Pages 345 - 356 ISSN 0034-4257 Altmetric
2018	Rapid change in East Antarctic terrestrial vegetation in response to regional drying Published In Nature Climate Change Volume Online First Pages 1 - 8 ISSN 1758-678X Altmetric
2018	Stress in native grasses under ecologically relevant heat waves Published In PLoS One Volume 13 Pages e0204906-1 - e0204906-16 ISSN 1932-6203 Altmetric
2017	Antarctic moss biflavonoids show high antioxidant and ultraviolet-screening activity Published In Journal of Natural Products Volume 80 Pages 2224 - 2231 ISSN 0163-3864 Altmetric
2017	Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being Published In Science Volume 355 Pages 1 - 9 ISSN 0036-8075 Altmetric
2017	Do daily and seasonal trends in leaf solar induced fluorescence reflect changes in photosynthesis, growth or light exposure? Published In Remote Sensing Volume 9 Pages 1 - 19 ISSN 2072-4292 Altmetric
2017	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2016 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 16 Pages 107 - 145 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2017	Facilitation, competition and parasitic facilitation amongst invasive and native liana seedlings and a native tree seedling Published In NeoBiota Volume 36 Pages 17 - 38 ISSN 1314-2488 Altmetric
2017	Invasive alien lianas have similar allometry to native lianas in temperate forests Published In Biological Invasions Volume 19 Pages 1029 - 1037 ISSN 1387-3547 Altmetric
2017	Moving beyond presence and absence when examining changes in species distributions Published In Global Change Biology Volume 23 Pages 2929 - 2940 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2017	Relative functional and optical absorption cross-sections of PSII and other photosynthetic parameters monitored in situ, at a distance with a time resolution of a few seconds, using a prototype light induced fluorescence transient (LIFT) device Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 44 Pages 985 - 1006 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2017	Remote monitoring of dynamic canopy photosynthesis with high time resolution light-induced fluorescence transients Published In Tree Physiology: an international botanical journal Volume Online First Pages 1 - 17 ISSN 1758-4469 Altmetric
2017	Thermotolerance capacities of native and exotic coastal plants will lead to changes in species composition under increased heat waves Published In Conservation Physiology Volume 5 Pages 1 - 10 Altmetric
2017	Unmanned aircraft system advances health mapping of fragile polar vegetation Published In Methods in Ecology and Evolution Volume Online First Pages 1 - 16 ISSN 2041-210X Altmetric
2016	Bayesian methods for comparing species physiological and ecological response curves Published In Ecological Informatics Volume 34 Pages 35 - 43 ISSN 1574-9541 Altmetric
2016	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2015 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 15 Pages 141 - 174 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2016	Moss δ13C: implications for subantarctic palaeohydrological reconstructions Published In Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology Volume 453 Pages 20 - 29 ISSN 0031-0182 Altmetric
2015	Antarctic moss stress assessment based on chlorophyll content and leaf density retrieved from imaging spectroscopy data Published In New Phytologist Volume 208 Pages 608 - 624 ISSN 0028-646X Altmetric
2015	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: 2014 assessment Executive summary Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 14 Pages 14 - 18 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2015	Impact of hydrocarbons from a diesel fuel on the germination and early growth of subantarctic plants Published In Environmental Science Processes and Impacts Volume 17 Pages 1238 - 1248 ISSN 1464-0325 Altmetric
2015	Moss δ13C: an accurate proxy for past water environments in polar regions Published In Global Change Biology Volume 21 Pages 2454 - 2464 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2015	Native hemiparasite and light effects on photoprotection and photodamage in a native host Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 42 Pages 1168 - 1178 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2015	Not just about sunburn – the ozone hole's profound effect on climate has significant implications for Southern Hemisphere ecosystems Published In Global Change Biology Volume 21 Pages 515 - 527 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2015	Solar ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion-driven climate change: effects on terrestrial ecosystems Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 14 Pages 88 - 107 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2015	Toxicity of fuel-contaminated soil to antarctic moss and terrestrial algae Published In Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Volume 34 Pages 2004 - 2012 ISSN 0730-7268 Altmetric
2014	Alien grass disrupts reproduction and post-settlement recruitment of co-occurring native vegetation: a mechanism for diversity decline in invaded forest? Published In Plant Ecology Volume 215 Pages 567 - 580 ISSN 1385-0237 Altmetric
2014	Antarctic climate change and the environment: an update Published In Polar Record Volume 50 Pages 237 - 259 ISSN 0032-2474 Altmetric
2014	Dominating the Antarctic environment: bryophytes in a time of change Published In Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration Volume 37 Pages 309 - 324 Altmetric
2014	Phytoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants in subantarctic soils: an effective management option Published In Journal of Environmental Management Volume 142 Pages 60 - 69 ISSN 1095-8630 Altmetric
2014	Solar ultraviolet radiation in a changing climate Published In Nature Climate Change Volume 4 Pages 434 - 441 ISSN 1758-678X Altmetric
2014	Spatial co-registration of ultra-high resolution visible, multispectral and thermal images acquired with a micro-UAV over Antarctic moss beds Published In Remote Sensing Volume 6 Pages 4003 - 4024 ISSN 2072-4292 Altmetric
2014	Sunsafe bryophytes: photoprotection from excess and damaging solar radiation Published In Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration Volume 37 Pages 113 - 130 Altmetric
2014	The ozone hole leaves a lasting impression on southern climate Published In The Conversation Pages 1 - 3
2014	The spatial structure of Antarctic biodiversity Published In Ecological Monographs Volume 84 Pages 203 - 244 ISSN 0012-9615 Altmetric
2014	Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture micro-topography of Antarctic moss beds Published In International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation Volume 27 Pages 53 - 62 ISSN 1569-8432 Altmetric
2013	Genome of the long-living sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Published In Genome Biology Volume 14 Pages R41-1 - R41-11 ISSN 1474-7596 Altmetric
2013	Integrating transient heterogeneity of non-photochemical quenching in shade-grown heterobaric leaves of avocado (Persea americana L.): responses to CO2 concentration, stomatal occlusion, dehydration and relative humidity Published In Plant and Cell Physiology Volume 54 Pages 1852 - 1866 ISSN 0032-0781 Altmetric
2012	Bryophyte species composition over moisture gradients in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica: development of a baseline for monitoring climate change impacts Published In Biodiversity Volume 13 Pages 257 - 264 ISSN 1488-8386 Altmetric
2012	Canopy conundrums: building on the Biosphere 2 experience to scale measurements of inner and outer canopy photoprotection from the leaf to the landscape Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 39 Pages 1 - 24 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2012	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2011 Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 11 Pages 13 - 27 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2012	From ecophysiology to phenomics: some implications of photoprotection and shade-sun acclimation in situ for dynamics of thylakoids in vitro Published In Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Volume 367 Pages 3503 - 3514 ISSN 0962-8436 Altmetric
2012	Radiocarbon bomb spike reveals biological effects of Antarctic climate change Published In Global Change Biology Volume 18 Pages 301 - 310 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2012	Radiocarbon bomb spike reveals biological effects of Antarctic climate change (Erratum) Published In Global Change Biology Volume 18 Pages 1196 - 1196 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2011	Effects of solar ultraviolet radiation on terrestrial ecosystems. Patterns, mechanisms, and interactions with climate change Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 10 Pages 226 - 241 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2011	Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: 2010 assessment Executive Summary Published In Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences Volume 10 Pages 178 - 181 ISSN 1474-905X Altmetric
2011	Grapevine leaf pigment response to root infestation by phylloxera Published In Acta Horticulturae Volume 904 Pages 93 - 99 ISSN 0567-7572
2011	In the heat of the night – alternative pathway respiration drives thermogenesis in Philodendron bipinnatifidum Published In New Phytologist Volume 189 Pages 1013 - 1026 ISSN 0028-646X Altmetric
2010	Aerial ‘OktoKopter’ to map Antarctic moss Published In Australian Antarctic Magazine Pages 1 - 3
2010	Distribution of thermogenic activity in floral tissues of Nelumbo nucifera Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 37 Pages 1085 - 1095 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2009	Accumulation of DNA damage in Antarctic mosses: correlations with ultraviolet-B radiation, temperature and turf water content vary among species Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 319 - 329 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Antarctic climate change and the environment Published In Antarctic Science Volume 21 Pages 541 - 563 ISSN 0954-1020 Altmetric
2009	Desiccation protects two Antarctic mosses from ultraviolet-B induced DNA damage Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 36 Pages 214 - 221 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2009	Functional transition in the floral receptacle of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera): from thermogenesis to photosynthesis Published In Functional Plant Biology: an international journal of plant function Volume 36 Pages 471 - 480 ISSN 1445-4408 Altmetric
2009	Genetic structure of East Antarctic populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus Published In Antarctic Science Volume 21 Pages 51 - 58 ISSN 0954-1020 Altmetric
2009	Introduction: Climate change biology at the ends of the Earth-International Polar year special issue Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 1615 - 1617 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Introduction: future fire activity and climate change Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 533 - 534 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Responses of plants in polar regions to UVB exposure: a meta-analysis Published In Global Change Biology Volume 15 Pages 2574 - 2589 ISSN 1354-1013 Altmetric
2009	Two cys or not two Cys? That is the question; alternative oxidase in the thermogenic plant sacred lotus Published In Plant Physiology Volume 150 Pages 987 - 995 ISSN 0032-0889 Altmetric
2008	Cell wall-bound ultraviolet-screening compounds explain the high ultraviolet tolerance of the Antarctic moss, Ceratodon purpureus Published In New Phytologist Volume 179 Pages 776 - 783 ISSN 0028-646X Altmetric
2008	Mechanisms of thermoregulation in plants Published In Plant Signaling and Behavior Volume 3 Pages 595 - 597 ISSN 1559-2316 Altmetric

2008	Synchronicity of thermogenic activity, alternative pathway respiratory flux, AOX protein content and carbohydrates in receptacle tissues of sacred lotus during floral development Published In Journal of Experimental Botany Volume 59 Pages 705 - 714 ISSN 0022-0957 Altmetric
2008	Understanding the tolerance of Antarctic mosses to climate change Published In Australian Antarctic magazine Pages 26 - 27
2007	Preliminary investigations of pigment responses to phylloxera infestation Published In Acta Horticulturae Volume 733 Pages 123 - 133 ISSN 0567-7572

Chapter

Year	Title
2011	Experimental Methods Published In Hyperspectral Studies of Seagrasses Publisher Germany: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing Pages 52 - 79
2011	Spatial and Temporal Variation in the Spectral Reflectance of Seagrass Published In Hyperspectral studies in seagrasses Publisher Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing Pages 81 - 158
2011	Spectral and Physiological Response of Eelgrass to Light Stress Published In Hyperspectral studies of seagrasses Publisher Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing Pages 161 - 251
2009	The instrumental period Published In Antarctic climate change and the environment Publisher Scott Polar Research Institute, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK: Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Pages 183 - 298

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2013	Investigation of Antarctic moss beds using high spatial resolution imaging spectroscopy Published In Strategic Science in Antarctica: a Joint Australian and New Zealand Conference - Conference Abstracts Pages 2 - 2
2013	Monitoring of Antarctic moss ecosystems using a high spatial resolution imaging spectroscopy Published In EGU General Assembly 2013 Pages 1 - 1
2013	Unmanned aerial optical systems for spatial monitoring of Antarctic mosses Published In EGU General Assembly 2013 Pages 1 - 1
2013	Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture micro-topography of Antarctic moss beds Published In Strategic Science in Antarctica: a Joint Australian and New Zealand Conference - Conference Abstracts Pages 4 - 4
2012	Using a micro-UAV for ultra-high resolution multi-sensor observations of Antarctic moss beds Published In International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XXXIX-B1 Pages 429 - 433 Altmetric
2011	Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing for hyperspatial terrain mapping of Antarctic moss beds based on structure from motion (SfM) point clouds Published In 34th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment
2010	Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for ultra-high resolution Published In 15th Australasian Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Conference Pages 1 - 12

Investigator On

Year	Title
2018 - 2020	How isolated is Antarctica? Assessing past and present plant colonisations Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects
2018 - 2019	Sensor calibration facility for spectral and thermal remote sensing Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
2017	A silver spoon start to life for the critically endangered corroboree frog Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Projects
2017	Adaptive responses of Antarctic mosses to climate change Awarded by: Chilean Antarctic Institute (Instituto Antártico Chileno/INACH) Funding Scheme: Grant
2017	High resolution of moss growth in a rapidly changing Antarctic environment Awarded by: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Funding Scheme: ANSTO Research Portal
2012 - 2017	Modelling spatial patterns and identifying environmental drivers for temporal change in Antarctic moss communities Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Australian Antarctic Science Program
2016	CTM2014-53902-C2-1-P mechanistic basis for this trade-off between photosynthesis and stress tolerance: filling gaps for evolutionary biology and plant biotechnology (TOPSTEP) Awarded by: Spanish Government Ministery of Economy and Competitiveness Funding Scheme: Grant
2014	AirLIFT - an airborne active chlorophyll florescence sensing system for assessment of photosynthetic activity in plant canopies Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects
2014	Towards a large-scale Antarctic Nearshore and Terrestrial Observiing System (ANTOS): etc Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Australian Antarctic Science Program
2011 - 2014	Mapping Antarctic climate change in space and time using mosses as biological proxies Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects
2012	Stable isotope analysis of environmental and physiological samples Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
2011	The weight of the vine: impacts of vine infestations on plant health Awarded by: Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Funding Scheme: National Weeds and Productivity Program
2009 - 2010	Monitoring climate change induced desertification of Antarctica using stable isotopic signatures Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2009	Characterising heat production in plants: mechanisms and its role in pollination Awarded by: Hermon Slade Foundation Funding Scheme: Grant
2009	Climate change and carbon gain in antarctic mosses Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2009	Spatial analysis of changing terrestial ecosystems in the Windmill Islands and the sub-Antarctic Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2008	Understanding the tolerance of Antarctic mosses to climate change Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2007	Antarctic State of the Environment, Indicator 72: How is the Windmill Islandsâ¬" terrestrial vegetation responding to climate change? Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant
2007	Flora and Fauna Research Facility Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF)
2007	Satellite imagery for change detection in the sub-antarctic using Heard Island as a proof of concept Awarded by: Australian Antarctic Division Funding Scheme: Grant

Impact Story

Monitoring Antarctic Ecosystems, climate change and other human impacts
Summary
Under The Antarctic Treaty, Australia and other nations which operate in Antarctica have a responsibility to conserve and protect Antarctica’s unique environment. Through the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, adopted in 1991, the Contracting Parties “commit themselves to the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems”. Research undertaken by the University of Wollongong over more than 20 years has had a significant and wide-reaching impact on Australia's environmental, economic, legal and political responsibilities and leadership role in Antarctica. Monitoring and management: UOW research outcomes have informed Antarctic Environmental Managers on the health of Antarctic terrestrial and near shore ecosystems, highlighting which species may be at risk from climate change or disturbance from Antarctic station activities. I have provided expert advice to AAD Environmental Managers on proposed activities around Antarctic stations and contributed to development of Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) management plans. While our research has had most application to the Australian Antarctic Territories, methodologies developed have increasingly been of interest to environmental managers from other nations, as we are considered to be developing best practice in this area. As a result, in 2016 I was invited to join the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observing System (ANTOS) Expert Group and to develop an East Antarctic ANTOS node. UOW researchers Robinson and then HDR student Jane Wasley were invited by Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) Environmental Managers to develop a State of the Environment (SOE) Indicator for Antarctic terrestrial vegetation dynamics. Robinson's group had earlier established the first long-term monitoring sites near the Australian Antarctic Casey Station in 2003, from an initial pilot [1-2]. Robinson, Wasley and Dr Catherine King (AAD) went on to develop, and are the current custodians of, SOE Indicator 72 [3] with UOW the responsible organisation. This is currently the only long-term monitoring system in place for Antarctic terrestrial vegetation on the continent, and informs both the Management Plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Area 135 as well as the Antarctic Assessment in Australia’s SOE Reports 2011 and 2016 [4-5]. The project was presented as a case study in the 2011 SOE report and is acknowledged in the 2016 report for contributing valuable data to help fulfill Australia’s national reporting requirements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act. Furthermore, this project contributes to Australia’s international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty System as it delivers robust data on environmental change on one of Australia’s Antarctic Specially Protected Areas”. As such this work is vital for the continued conservation of terrestrial values. 

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TEDx The extraordinary Antarctic plants with superhero powers
Summary
In 2016 I gave a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4PsZlTGedU" title="YouTube: Antarctic Plants In A Time Of Change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TEDX Antarctic plants in a time of change</a>. In 2017, this was featured in a story on <a href="https://ideas.ted.com/the-extraordinary-antarctic-plants-with-superhero-powers/" title="Featured Story: Extraordinary Antarctic Plants with Superhero Powers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ideas.ted.com.</a>

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UOW Centres / Programs
UOW Researchers / Collaborators

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy	Linking spectral signals with novel photosynthetic parameters from the leaf to the canopy	Wyber, Rhys
Doctor of Philosophy	Microhabitat, microclimate and multi-stress response as drivers of urban biodiversity using moss as a model taxa	Haynes, Alison
Doctor of Philosophy	Remote techniques for determining carbon sequestration and storage by mangrove.	Braga Salum De Abreu, Maria Rafaela
Doctor of Philosophy	A novel high-resolution model of moss-bed microclimate in maritime Antarctica: importance of understanding microclimate for understanding species distributions	Randall, Krystal
Master of Research -SMAH	The potential use of ultraviolet-absorbing compounds for reconstructing past climate in antarctic mosses	Egawa, Ayako
Doctor of Philosophy	A helping hand: understanding the role of facilitation as a contributor to survivability of urban plants	Aguiar, Axton

Professional Service Activities

SCAR Antarctic Near shore and Terrestrial Observing System (ANTOS) Expert Group Member 2017 -
University of Wollongong Global Challenges Program Review Panel Member 2017 -
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Effects Assessment Panel Member 2009 -
Global Change Biology Editor 2005 -
Homeward Bound Onboard Science Faculty 2018 - 2019
University of Wollongong Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) Engagement and Impact Cluster Chair 2017 - 2018
Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts 2013 - 2017

Education And Training

Ph.D. in Plant Biochemistry, University College of London (UCL) , Botany, Nitrogen metabolism in carrot cell suspension cultures 1987 - 1990
King's College London, Science Education 1985 - 1986
B Science (Hon) in Botany and Genetics, University College of London (UCL) , Botany 1980 - 1983

Awards And Honors

Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement in Research Partnership and Impact Award, conferred by Vice Chancellor University of Wollongong, 2018
2017 Peer Prize for Women, Earth, Environment and Space., conferred by Thinkable and The Sun Foundation Australia, 2017
2nd prize Competition 1, conferred by Chlorotube , 2010
1st prize Competition 3, conferred by Chlorotube, 2009
Teaching Award, conferred by Australian Society of Plant Scientists, 2002
Outstanding contribution to Higher Education Award, conferred by Australian College of Education (Illawarra Branch), 2001
Irene Manton Prize, conferred by Linnean Society of London, 1991

Full Name

Professor Sharon A. Robinson

Mailing Address

School of Biological Sciences

University of Wollongong

NSW

2522

Australia

Located In Facility

Science, Medicine and Health (SMAH)

Fax

+61 2 4221 4135

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7130-9617 (confirmed)

Web Of Science Researcher Id

B-2683-2008

Scopus Id

7402674597

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Geographic Focus

Affiliation

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Chapter

Conference Paper

Funding

Investigator On

Impact

Impact Story

Monitoring Antarctic Ecosystems, climate change and other human impacts

TEDx The extraordinary Antarctic plants with superhero powers

Supervision

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Service

Professional Service Activities

Background

Education And Training

Awards And Honors

Contact

Full Name

Mailing Address

Located In Facility

Fax

Identity

Orcid Id

Web Of Science Researcher Id

Scopus Id

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Geographic Focus

Affiliation

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Chapter

Conference Paper

Funding

Investigator On

Impact

Impact Story

Monitoring Antarctic Ecosystems, climate change and other human impacts

TEDx The extraordinary Antarctic plants with superhero powers

Supervision

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Service

Professional Service Activities

Background

Education And Training

Awards And Honors

Contact

Full Name

Mailing Address

Located In Facility

Fax

Identity

Orcid Id

Web Of Science Researcher Id

Scopus Id

Visualisations

Research Areas

Geographic Focus