Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas

Awarded for service to the environment; science and research

Born: 17 May 1981

Entered on roll: 2023

"Championing women in science"

Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas is a Tasmanian marine scientist internationally recognised for her contributions to social- ecological systems research and climate change science. Jess’ background is in mathematical modelling and her work focuses on connecting research to decision-making for sustainability and climate change adaptation.

Jess credits her love of marine science to scuba diving with her father and brother as a youth.

Jess graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science with Honours. She received a Rhodes Scholarship and studied Marine Science at Oxford before returning to Tasmania to complete postdoctoral studies in Quantitative Marine Science. Jess worked as a research associate and statistician, before joining the Australian Antarctic Division.

In 2012, Jess undertook her first Antarctic scientific expedition. In 2021 Jess joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, to focus on working with stakeholders to link science, policy and practice.

Jess is committed to encouraging other women to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and recognised that while many women are completing STEM degrees, they are significantly under-represented in leadership roles. In 2014, Jess co-founded the International Women in Polar Science Network, which aims to inspire women at the early stages of their careers through shared stories, experiences, and professional mentoring.

In 2014, Jess was one of four founders of the Homeward Bound Project which encourages women in science to take up leadership roles in addressing environmental sustainability.

Homeward Bound is a 12-month leadership program aiming to equip women with the leadership and communication skills to solve wicked problems. The course culminates in an expedition to Antarctica.

In 2015, Jess was named as Tasmania’s Young Tall Poppy of the Year. In 2017, she was one of Science and Technology Australia’s first Superstars of STEM and was one of 12 global female scientists to be featured in the light show ‘Unseen Stars’ on the ceiling of Grand Central Station in New York. In 2020, she was Tasmanian Australian of the Year.