John Gunn

John Gunn FTSE

John Gunn is an internationally recognized marine scientist and advisor with over 35 years experience conducting, leading, translating and communicating science focussed on conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems and resources.

For the last 15 years, as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (2011-2017); Chief Scientist of the Australian Antarctic Program (2008-2011), Senior Executive in the Australian Government Department of the Environment (2010); and Deputy Chief of CSIRO’s Marine and Atmospheric Research Division (2003-2008) he has lead the development of national and global science strategies, major research programs, science capability (people, research infrastructure and partnerships), and stakeholder engagement across research portfolios encompassing sustainable development, fisheries, coastal systems, physical and chemical oceanography, atmospheric chemistry and climate science.

John is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering, Co-Chair of the UNESCO-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Global Ocean Observing System and a member of Australia’s National Climate Science Advisory Committee. For over 25 years, as a trusted advisor to ministers, governments and industry, has held high level advisory roles on the sustainable development of the Great Barrier Reef, national marine and coastal systems, national and global fisheries, Antarctic research and science and research policy.

Prior to his move into executive roles, John’s science focussed on migration and population dynamics of large pelagic fishes (tunas, billfishes and sharks),and the development of new electronic tagging technologies. He continues to contribute to collaborations in these fields.

John is a passionate advocate for evidence-based decision making and the role of science in providing solutions to the large number of environmental challenges facing our global oceans. He is an active mentor of junior scientists and future science leaders, and in his spare time is a keen diver, fisher and bush walker.