We’re delighted to share the news that the Australian Museum (AM) has appointed two new Co-Directors to run the AM’s Lizard Island Research Station (LIRS).
Dr Emily Howells and Dr David Abrego have accepted their “dream job” and are settling into a busy schedule following a handover period with outgoing Co-Directors Dr Anne Hoggett AM and Dr Lyle Vail AM.
It’s a complex and demanding role, managing a remote research facility. The skillset needed to manage LIRS is extensive and includes understanding the needs of, and supporting, up to 36 researchers at any one time, extensive safety considerations for hundreds of visitors each year, facilities management, infrastructure planning, budgeting, and working with numerous stakeholders.
David and Emily are well equipped to take on the role. Partners, they have a combined 27 years of experience as coral reef researchers and educators, including roles across the Pacific and Middle East. Prior to their appointment, Emily was a Senior Research Fellow and David a Senior Lecturer, both at the National Marine Science Centre at Southern Cross University. A focus of their recent work has been researching the genetic basis of heat tolerance of corals. We welcome David and Emily and know they look forward to meeting our LIRRF community over the coming year.
“It’s a dream job for us to be able to come to Lizard Island Research Station as Co-Directors, working together to support and amplify the incredible research, education and scientific communication work that happens here. Our goal is to continue to Station’s incredible reputation built by Anne and Lyle, and we hope to leave the Great Barrier Reef better for the next generation”, said David.
Dr Emily Howells and Dr David Abrego.
It was 34 years ago, in 1990, that Anne and Lyle (along with their 4 years old son Alex Vail) arrived at LIRS and over that period they have touched the lives of many, including up to three generations of our donors and supporters. Totally dedicated to their roles, they have transformed the Station into one of the world’s leading tropical marine field research stations. They’ve guided many careers, planned and overseen the expansion of facilities, and created a culture of true collaboration between scientists. Anne and Lyle have done this with great passion, respect and humility. We thank them for sharing their knowledge, and the wonder of coral reefs, and wish them all the best in their “retirement”. Both will have roles as Senior Fellows of the Australian Museum.
“We leave Lizard with a feeling of enormous personal loss – for the amazing environment and the fabulous research community that have been our lives for so long. But after 34 years, it’s time to hand the baton to others and rejoin mainstream society. Coral reefs are in a period of enormous change. It’s been both a privilege and a challenge to observe those changes first-hand while being so closely involved with the science that tries to understand them and mitigate harm. LIRS plays an outsized part in that global effort. We’re proud of its contribution to knowledge by the researchers who use its facilities and of its role in educating both students and the public about reef issues. The Australian Museum trusted us to realise our vision for the station and the LIRRF fully supported it, providing both the funding and much-valued guidance to achieve it. We are deeply indebted to both organisations. We have many valued friendships forged at LIRS and a lifetime of cherished memories to take with us into the future. We wish Emily and David all the joy and fulfillment that we have experienced”, said Anne & Lyle.
Dr Lyle Vail AM and Dr Anne Hoggett AM.
Click here to learn more about David & Emily and Anne & Lyle other March 2025 news.
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