Professor Sabine Dittmann

Professor Sabine Dittmann is a nationally and internationally renowned expert on coastal ecosystem ecology. Her expertise has led to research in various temperate and tropical environments of the world. She specialises on benthic community ecology, looking at species interactions, ecosystem functioning, and how coastal ecosystems respond to environmental changes. Recent projects she was leading include investigations into Blue Carbon restoration activities and associated benefits for ecosystem services. 

Professor Dittmann is passionate about working at the interface between research and environmental management, through translation of research outcomes into scientific advice to achieve ecosystem health and conservation outcomes. This includes, for example, knowledge transfer for environmental water management in hypersaline estuaries and lagoons, blue carbon offset opportunities through coastal restoration, invasive species management, and marine park planning and evaluation.

Professor Dittmann was elected national president of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) in 2012, and represented AMSA at the National Marine Science Committee from 2010 to 2016. She was also elected president of the Royal Society of South Australia from 2019 to 2022. She served on the National Committee for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from the Australian Academy of Science from 2013 to 2022. She held ministerial appointments for the Marine Parks Council of South Australia, the Expert Scientific Panel for the review of the Commonwealth Marine Reserves, and the Australian Antarctic Science Council. Professor Dittmann was recently appointed to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.