Congratulations to Associate Professor Kirstie Fryirs who has received the 2015 Gordon Warwick Medal at the British Society for Geomorphology, awarded to those who have made a research contribution of international impact in their field within 15 years of graduating from their doctorate.

Associate Professor Fryirs is a fluvial geomorphologist who studies how river systems have changed after European settlement. Her research focuses on approaches to analysis of river forms, processes, condition and recovery potential, and understanding catchment-scale sediment fluxes, in order to better manage river systems that have been altered after settlement.

“I did not even know I had been nominated, so I was quite surprised to get the letter. I felt very proud and quite humbled that a middle-career researcher has been recognised in this way,” says Associate Professor Fryirs on her achievement.

Working closely with river managers over the years in order to achieve best practice, Associate Professor Fryirs’ research contributions are now being applied internationally. She was the co-developer of the River Styles® framework, which provides tools for interpreting river structure, function, condition and recovery, and a basis for prioritising and improving management practices. This framework is now being used as part of the European Water Framework Directive and the NSW policy and practice.

“I’m really chuffed that the rivers and management research we are doing in Australia is being recognised, and is having a significant impact overseas. I think it also highlights how important it is to support applied research, of which Macquarie has a strong history, particularly in Environmental Sciences,” she says.

Learn more about  Associate Professor Fryirs research.